Harry and Roy lead race for Turkish delight

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp and Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson are set to battle Atletico Madrid in the race to sign Galatasaray playmaker Arda Turan.

Turan has been perennially linked with a move to the North London pair of Arsenal and Spurs, as well as Merseyside club Liverpool.

Nevertheless, the player's agent informed Sport.co.uk  during the summer that the Gunners had pulled out of the race to sign the Galatasaray captain leaving Spurs boss Redknapp, Hodgson and Atletico Madrid as the frontrunners for the Turkish international's signature.

The 23-year-old Gala captain has expressed his yearning to wear the red of Liverpool, stating his desire to play for the reds by saying it would be a "dream" to play in front of the kop.

However it is not known whether Liverpool manager Hodgson will be able to afford the £15 million asking price, but the Anfield club remain interested.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Harry Redknapp made an enquiry regarding Turan during the summer, suggesting a swap deal involving Mexican winger Giovanni Dos Santos however the enquiry was rejected by the Turkish giants.

North London rivals Arsenal had maintained an interest in the playmaker however according to the player's agent Arsene Wenger is no longer interested in the forward.

The principal rivals to Spurs and Liverpool are La Liga giants Atletico Madrid, who had an offer rejected on deadline day for Turan, with Galatasaray desperate to keep hold of their inspirational captain.

Reports in Turkey intimate that the race to sign Turan will re-ignite during the January transfer window.

Ahmet Bulut told Sport.co.uk during the transfer window that while Arsene Wenger is no longer interested, Harry Redknapp had made an enquiry:

"At the moment I have had no contact, unofficial or official from Arsenal or Arsene Wenger.

"Regarding Tottenham Hotspur there was a small enquiry regarding the player, but I have had no official contact or an official bid for the player.

"So, at the moment Arda (Turan) has two years left on his contract at Gala. And, we are waiting for an official bid for Arda from Tottenham. We will see."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.