The Istanbul club could add the defender to their ranks, despite interest from a host of other clubs across France and the rest of Europe
EXCLUSIVE
By Vaishali Bhardwaj
Galatasaray are hoping to beat Valencia to the signing of €14 million-rated Lille defender Aurelien Chedjou.
The Turkish club’s rivals, Fenerbahce, and two other French clubs, Marseille and Monaco, have also shown an interest in the 27-year-old.
Reports emerged last week suggesting Chedjou – who previously played for Villarreal – was close to finalising a deal with Valencia.
However, a source close to the player has told Goal.com that, although talks were held with representatives of the Spanish club and the player in the French capital ahead their Champions League clash with Paris Saint-Germain, they did not offer him a concrete deal.
Valencia are keen on signing the Cameroon international as a replacement for centre-back Adil Rami, who could leave the Mestalla in the summer.
But with no firm offer from los Che, Chedjou is believed to have held talks with the two Turkish giants along with Marseille and Ligue 2 leaders Monaco.
Chedjou’s solid performances for Lille since joining the French club in 2007 have led to interest from some major European clubs.
His impressive form for les Dogues during the 2010-11 season sparked reported interest from Liverpool and Juventus, but he rejected a move abroad and signed a contract extension at Lille until 2015.
He later extended his deal for a further year, which included a clause allowing him to negotiate a move elsewhere.