Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have received a major boost in the race to sign Celtic centre-back Dedryck Boyata.

The two Istanbul clubs have been closely linked with a move for the Belgium international in recent weeks.

According to the daily Turkish newspaper Fanatik, Boyata has rejected a move to Sevilla.

Per the source, Boyata wants to be assured first-team football at the club he joins.

Sevilla – who were linked by Marca with a £10m move for Boyatta – already have the likes of Simon Kjaer and Daniel Carriço on their books, which could leave the 27-year-old fighting for his place in the starting XI.

Meanwhile, both Galatasaray and Fenerbahce are desperately searching for a new first-choice defender before the window slams shut on September 1.

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The report goes onto state that Fenerbahce director of football Damien Comolli and Galatasaray boss Fatih Terim will meet with Boyatta’s representatives this week.

The Belgium international has entered the final 12 months of his contract and was criticised by Celtic boss Brendan Rodgers for not making himself available for the AEK game.