Anelka attracts interest from Turkey

Nicolas Anelka’s future looks increasingly likely to lie away from Manchester City following an approach from Fenerbahce and a veiled attack from Kevin Keegan.

Turkish champions Fenerbahce last night emerged as surprise favourites to land the want-away striker, who has also been linked with a move to Liverpool.

Although no fee has been discussed for the controversial French international, the Press Association understands preliminary talks have taken place between high-ranking City officials and their Fenerbahce counterparts, who initiated the discussions.

Blues officials have refused to comment on the development, which will come as a shock to Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez, who has put Anelka at the top of his shopping list should he fail in his bid to land Real Madrid front man Fernando Morientes.

City boss Keegan, meanwhile, has admitted he is willing to let Anelka leave after being “disappointed” by his attitude towards possibly taking part in last Tuesday’s Premiership clash with Arsenal.

Anelka is currently struggling with a back problem and Keegan told the Daily Mirror: “We need everybody fit right now and I put players out against Arsenal who were not 100 per cent. But Nicolas wasn’t one of them.

“He didn’t feel he could even take a fitness test, which I have to say I was a bit disappointed with. But if he says it’s hurting, I have to respect that.”

Fenerbahce are looking to Anelka to spearhead their UEFA Cup campaign alongside former Celtic front-man Pierre van Hooijdonk.

Ousted from the Champions League by Lyon and Manchester United, the ambitious Turkish outfit feel Anelka is the man to help them make a big impact in Europe during the second half of the season.

While there must be some doubt as to whether Anelka would wish to play in the Turkish league and at the same time abandon his Champions League dream for this season at least, Fener do have the cash to complete a big money swoop.

Given their swift rebuttal of Newcastle’s approach for Sylvain Distin, the mere fact City were willing to engage in discussions over Anelka’s future suggests a parting of the ways is inevitable, further increasing the pressure on Benitez, whose side’s FA Cup tie at Burnley last night was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

Keegan has already stated City would require a fee well in excess of the £5million they still owe Paris St Germain for the striker’s transfer in 2002, with the spare cash required to help service the Blues’ £62m (€89m) debt and also to help fund some purchases later this month.

“I don’t think there’s any doubt that if anyone comes in with a really serious bid for Nicolas, we’d sell him. I’d use the money to strengthen other parts of the team,” added Keegan.