Roberto Carlos to Fenerbahce?

After an off-season of rumors linking Real Madrid star Roberto Carlos to Fenerbahce, it seems the rumors have picked up a little more steam and some more validity. Various media outlets are reporting that the Brazilian national is very close to signing with Fenerbahce, bringing his game to Kadikoy at the end of this season. According to Eurosport Media in England, Real Madrid wants to sign Fenerbahce defender Diego Lugano in exchange, but Fener boss Aziz Yildirim is hoping to keep the Uruguayan national in Istanbul as well.

Carlos recently admitted that Fenerbahce made a bid for him last summer, a secret that was not very well kept in Spain or Turkiye. He was reportedly close to signing, until he discovered that Fabio Capello would become the Real Madrid boss. Should Carlos join Fener, he'll be reunited with Brazilian futebol legend Zico, as well as fellow Brazilians Alex de Souza, Edu Dracena, Mehmet Aurelio, and Deivid de Souza.

Fenerbahce is also reportedly close to signing Alex de Souza to a new contract to keep him in Kadikoy. "I've spoken to the Fenerbahce board not only about Alex's situation but about other projects too, we all want to make Fenerbahce as big as their competitors in Europe," said his agent Juan Figer. "Alex's contract won't be a problem, he's very happy in Turkey and he's very comfortable."

Stay tuned for more on the Roberto Carlos saga as more information becomes available.