Latest news with #Alanyaspor
Scotsman
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts transfer work continues as Uchenna Ogundu agrees deal in Turkey - Islam Chesnokov & Lawrence Shankland
The Nigerian forward is close to signing for Alanyaspor but Chesnokov and Shankland are ongoing Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Nigerian forward Uchenna Ogundu is set to stay in Turkey following transfer interest from various European clubs, including Hearts. The 19-year-old has a preliminary agreement to join Turkish Super Lig side Alanyaspor on a five-year contract after his exit from second division Sanliurfaspor. He is due for a medical there today. However, the decision will not deter Tynecastle officials in their attempts to strengthen attacking options. Head coach Derek McInnes regards signing a right-sided wide player a priority, with protracted negotiations for the Kazakhstan internationalist Islam Chesnokov still ongoing. Hearts have other targets for that position and are willing to move on alternatives in case Chesnokov's move does not reach a conclusion. As things stand, they are still determined to bring him to Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Tobol Kostanay player, 25, has scored five goals and claimed two assists from 12 appearances in the Kazakhstan Premier League so far this season. That includes a goal and an assist in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Zhetysu. Tobol are challenging for the league title and are reluctant to let Chesnokov, their star player, leave midway through the campaign. They are currently third in the table, six points behind leaders FC Astana with two games in hand. Chesnokov is out of contract in October and willing to sign a pre-contract agreement to join Hearts at that point. However, Tynecastle officials want a quick deal this summer to avoid him arriving outwith a transfer window and being unable to register with the Scottish Football Association until January. They are willing to pay a fee to make that happen. Ogundu was a target identified by Hearts' recruitment data partner, Jamestown Analytics. He impressed with Sanliurfaspor during the second half of last season and attracted interest from Super Lig clubs Fenerbahce, Alanyaspor and Samsunspor. Hull City, Sturm Graz, Fortuna Sittard and Gornik Zabrze also monitored him. He moved to Turkey last August from Diamond Academy in his native Nigeria, scoring six goals and claiming two assists in 19 appearances for Sanliurfaspor after making his senior debut in January. His performances captured attention from scouts and his data ranked well with Jamestown. He is now preparing to continue his career in Turkey after reaching a verbal agreement with Alanyaspor over the weekend. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lawrence Shankland's Hearts future talks Hearts remain in discussions with striker Lawrence Shankland, whose future remains undecided after his Tynecastle contract expired earlier this week. McInnes has spoken with the Scotland internationalist several times, the latest being just a few days ago, in an effort to convince him to stay. Other clubs in Britain and abroad have been in contact with Shankland's representatives. 'Lawrence has obviously got a lot to consider,' said McInnes in an interview with Sky Sports. 'We think we're a really strong option for him whether we're the best option in Lawrence's eyes, we've got to wait and see. But there'll come a point really that we need to draw a line under it and Lawrence has got to look after him and I've got to look after Hearts. Hopefully, we can find a solution because he is a player that I think can really thrive with us at Hearts. 'He's shown in the time here how important he is and you try and not let players like that leave the door without putting up the best fight you can and we're in the fight for him. I believe we're a really strong option for Lawrence. I believe we're the best option for him at this moment. He's got the World Cup to try and get involved in at the end of next season. If he can go score 25, at least 25 goals next season and I think it's a safe bet he'd be going to the World Cup with Scotland, so hopefully there's loads of reasons why Lawrence could see this as a good option for him. 'I always feel deadlines are not always healthy, they can sometimes be a bit antagonistic. There's been enough conversations with Lawrence. I'm due to speak to him again today and we'll see where we go with it. There will come a point where he has to move on and try and secure his future and likewise I need to make sure that we secure our squad going forward but we're not at that stage yet but sooner rather than later really to try and get that resolved because I want clarity in what I'm dealing with. I'm sure Lawrence is wanting clarity on his future as well.'
Scotsman
23-06-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Hearts transfer work continues as Uchenna Ogundu reaches an agreement in Turkey
The Nigerian forward is close to signing for Alanyaspor Sign up to our Hearts newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Nigerian forward Uchenna Ogundu is set to stay in Turkey following transfer interest from various European clubs, including Hearts. The 19-year-old has a preliminary agreement to join Turkish Super Lig side Alanyaspor on a five-year contract after his exit from second division Sanliurfaspor. He is due for a medical there today. However, the decision will not deter Tynecastle officials in their attempts to strengthen attacking options. Head coach Derek McInnes regards signing a right-sided wide player a priority, with protracted negotiations for the Kazakhstan internationalist Islam Chesnokov still ongoing. Hearts have other targets for that position and are willing to move on alternatives in case Chesnokov's move does not reach a conclusion. As things stand, they are still determined to bring him to Edinburgh. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Tobol Kostanay player, 25, is out of contract in October and is willing to sign a pre-contract agreement to join Hearts at that point. However, Tynecastle officials want a quick deal this summer to avoid him arriving outwith a transfer window and being unable to register with the Scottish Football Association until January. Ogundu was another target identified by Hearts' recruitment data partner, Jamestown Analytics. He impressed with Sanliurfaspor during the second half of last season and attracted interest from Super Lig clubs Fenerbahce, Alanyaspor and Samsunspor. Hull City, Sturm Graz, Fortuna Sittard and Gornik Zabrze also monitored him. He moved to Turkey last August from Diamond Academy in his native Nigeria, scoring six goals and claiming two assists in 19 appearances for Sanliurfaspor since making his senior debut in January. His performances captured attention from scouts and his data ranked well with Jamestown. He is now preparing to continue his career in Turkey after reaching a verbal agreement with Alanyaspor over the weekend. Lawrence Shankland's Hearts future talks Hearts remain in discussions with striker Lawrence Shankland, whose future remains undecided after his Tynecastle contract expired earlier this week. McInnes has spoken with the Scotland internationalist several times, the latest being just a few days ago, in an effort to convince him to stay. Other clubs in England and abroad have been in contact with Shankland's representatives. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Lawrence has obviously got a lot to consider,' said McInnes in an interview with Sky Sports. 'We think we're a really strong option for him whether we're the best option in Lawrence's eyes, we've got to wait and see. But there'll come a point really that we need to draw a line under it and Lawrence has got to look after him and I've got to look after Hearts. Hopefully, we can find a solution because he is a player that I think can really thrive with us at Hearts. 'He's shown in the time here how important he is and you try and not let players like that leave the door without putting up the best fight you can and we're in the fight for him. I believe we're a really strong option for Lawrence. I believe we're the best option for him at this moment. He's got the World Cup to try and get involved in at the end of next season. If he can go score 25, at least 25 goals next season and I think it's a safe bet he'd be going to the World Cup with Scotland, so hopefully there's loads of reasons why Lawrence could see this as a good option for him. 'I always feel deadlines are not always healthy, they can sometimes be a bit antagonistic. There's been enough conversations with Lawrence. I'm due to speak to him again today and we'll see where we go with it. There will come a point where he has to move on and try and secure his future and likewise I need to make sure that we secure our squad going forward but we're not at that stage yet but sooner rather than later really to try and get that resolved because I want clarity in what I'm dealing with. I'm sure Lawrence is wanting clarity on his future as well.'
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Hearts set to miss out on striker'
Heart of Midlothian look set to lose out to Alanyaspor in the fight for Uchenna Ogundu after holding talks with the 19-year-old Sanliurfaspor striker and making an offer. (Daily Record), externalRead Monday's gossip column in full.
BBC News
23-06-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
AEK set deadline for move for Rangers' Dessers
Rangers striker Cyriel Dessers could be moving closer to the Ibrox exit, while there is a pre-season blow for Russell Martin... AEK Athens are pushing hard to tie up a deal for Cyriel Dessers within the next 48 hours (Scottish Sun), striker Matija Frigan says the Scottish Premiership would be perfect for him as Rangers and Hamburg are linked with the 22-year-old currently with Westerlo in Belgium. (Daily Record), externalRobin Propper will begin pre-season with Rangers this week despite a bid for the 31-year-old centre-half from his former club, Twente Enschede, but is expected to hold talks with new head coach Russell Martin before deciding on his future. (Daily Record), externalLyall Cameron is set to miss Rangers' return to pre-season with a minor calf issue (Daily Record), and Stockport County are interested in former Wales and Rangers forward Tom Lawrence (Sky Sports), Soto, a 20-year-old centre-back, and 19-year-old midfielders Jorge Landeros and Jose Urias are heading to Dundee on trial from Monterrey with a view to loan moves, while midfield duo Kyle Magennis and Tommy McDermott, who have left Kilmarnock and Burnley respectively, are also on trial. (Daily Record), externalCeltic transfer target Sondre Ørjasæter has an asking price of £11million on his head with a new club frontrunners to sign him (Herald - subscription required), of Midlothian look set to lose out to Alanyaspor in the fight for Uchenna Ogundu after holding talks with the 19-year-old Sanliurfaspor striker and making an offer. (Daily Record), externalHibernian boss David Gray says the club have had "positive conversations" with Rocky Bushiri about a new deal (Edinburgh Evening News), Spencer is open to signing a new contract with Falkirk amid reported interest in the 29-year-old midfielder from Hearts as he enters the final year of his current deal. (Falkirk Herald), externalRoss County are poised to sign midfielder Dean Cornelius, with the 24-year-old agreeing terms on a two-year contract, and will join the Scottish Championship club when his Harrogate Town contract ends next month. (Sky Sports), externalRoss County have beaten Crewe Alexandra and Barrow to the signing of 24-year-old midfielder Dean Cornelius, who is set to become a free agent after leaving Harrogate Town. (Daily Record), externalGreenock Morton are closing in on the signing of Kris Moore, the 21-year-old defender who has left Leeds United. (Daily Record), externalInverness Caledonian Thistle are keen to re-sign David Wotherspoon after the 35-year-old Canada midfielder was released by Dunfermline Athletic. (Daily Record), externalExiting Airdrieonians captain Adam Frizzell is considering an offer from Derry City after the 27-year-old midfielder turned down a new deal with the Scottish Championship club. (Daily Record), externalFormer Hamilton Academical chief executive Colin McGowan, who owns the club's former home New Douglas Park, criticises the stewardship of the current Accies owners. (Scottish Sun), external
The National
29-05-2025
- Sport
- The National
Francesco Farioli's Ajax exit explained amid Rangers talks
The Dutch giants were the fourth club of an interesting career to date for the 36-year-old, who hasn't tended to stick around anywhere long including stints at Fatih Karagumruk, Alanyaspor and Nice. It was the Italian coach the Amsterdam side turned to last summer after a desperately poor campaign had just been completed, finishing a lowly fifth in the Eredivisie. Farioli brought his progressive style with him and restored plenty of pride, having them sitting pretty at the top of the table by March. However, a late collapse saw them waste a nine-point lead over PSV, who ended up champions. Roberto de Zerbi's former coach was not sacked and instead took the decision to step away, described as 'incredibly disappointing' by technical director Alex Kroes. Describing the reasons behind his departure, Farioli said at the time: "The management and I have the same goals for the future of Ajax, but we have different visions and timeframes about the way we should work and operate to achieve those goals. Read more: Rangers hold discussions with ex-Ajax boss as new name enters the frame "Given these differences in the principles and foundations of the project, I feel deep in my heart that this is the best moment to part ways." Kroes praised the departing boss and insisted he had achieved the stated aim of qualifying for the Champions League. "Francesco also played a key role in enhancing the high-performance culture at Ajax, for which we are extremely grateful," said the technical director. "This summer was already set to be a challenging transfer window, and it has now become even more so. It is up to us to ensure that a strong new coaching team is in place when pre-season preparations begin on 26 June." At a later date, Farioli was then quizzed about his plans for the future. 'There's a lot of speculation, a lot of rumours,' he said. 'But I do want to get back into coaching. Just like it was with Ajax, I don't care about the brand or the size of the club. What matters to me is how things are done, and last summer Ajax was exactly what I was looking for. 'It was the right step for my career, and now we'll see what comes next. We'll see if and when that opportunity arrives. 'I'm a very demanding person. Before I join a club, I lay all my strengths and weaknesses on the table. 'Demanding' is probably the best word to describe me. I want to find a club that's willing to fight alongside me.'
