Fener Denies Aurelio-Valencia Swap

Fener Denies Aurelio-Valencia Swap
By Nathan L. Redd

Fenerbahce issued a statement late this week denying the transfer speculation involving midfielder Mehmet Aurelio. Rumors had begun circulating that Aurelio could be swapped with Spanish side Valencia in exchange for striker Nikola Zigic. Fener had been linked with an interest in Zigic in the past.

Fenerbahce denied any current interest in Zigic, as well as any agreement to send Aurelio packing. In addition, the club denied any interest in CSKA Moscow's Brasilian star Wagner Love. "The report that our player, Roberto Carlos, has met with Love is false as well. Fenerbahçe does not employ its players for its transfer work, which is conducted by the transfer committee and technical committee," the statement said.

Fenerbahce issued a myriad of statements denying potential transfer rumors this week, including one that would send Can Arat to Konyaspor next month. While it is believed that Fener will make some transfer moves during the January transfer window, a move to send Mehmet Aurelio away from Kadikoy is highly unlikely. The Brasilian-born star has been a target for several European clubs in the past, but the midfielder has Turkish nationality and is a star for Fatih Terim's Milli Takim Turkish national team. Because of the foreign player rule, Fenerbahce is unlikely to part with either Aurelio or Wederson, another Brasilian-born star with Turkish nationality. If Aurelio or Wederson were to leave the Sari Lacivert, Fenerbahce would likely have to replace them with other Turkish stars rather than foreign-born players - a move the club is not likely to make.