Galatasaray desperate to keep hold of Chelsea target Muslera

Galatasaray desperate to keep hold of Chelsea target Muslera

Turkish league giants Galatasaray are desperate to keep hold of Chelsea target Fernando Muslera a source close to the club told Turkish-football.com.

The Lions have been alerted to interest from Chelsea for Muslera but do not want to lose their star man in January.

The Telegraph reported that Chelsea have drawn up a three man goalkeeping shortlist which included the Uruguayan international.

Per the source, the Blues have rejected a bid for Asmir Begovic from Bournemouth but are preparing for his possible exit as they are aware he wants regular first team football.

The Premier League outfit are also reported to be interested in Craig Gordon and Diego Lopez.

Chelsea will only allow Begovic to leave in January if they find a replacement.

The 30-year-old has revealed in the past that he would like to play in the Premier League but he is well settled in Turkey and has a cult like following among Galatasaray fans.

Galatasaray are currently suspended from European competition due to failing to meet FFP regulations and they may be forced to consider an offer that meets their valuation for Muslera over the summer however, they are intent on keeping him in January.

Muslera has been a key player at Galatasaray since joining from Lazio in 2011.

The experienced keeper has kept 72 clean sheets in 227 appearances for the Turkish giants in all competitions.

Muslera has won the league title and the Turkish Cup three times. Muslera also played a key role in the Lions reaching the 2014 Champions League quarter-finals.

Blues head coach Antonio Conte and goalkeeping coach Gianluca Spinelli know Muslera from his four-year spell at Lazio.

The 30-year-old keeper has 85 international caps for Uruguay and played an important role in La Celeste lifting the 2011 Copa America title.

The Lions are currently in the Turkish league title race, five points behind leaders Besiktas.