Turkish Super Lig side Fenerbahce have issued a statement denying they are interested in signing Chelsea winger Jamie Gittens, slamming proliferating rumours as 'unfounded' and 'attempts to manipulate the club'.
Statement slams transfer rumours
Reports emerged in the Turkish press this weekend suggesting the 19-time Turkish champions were monitoring Gittens' situation. Gittens had been widely tipped for a move this summer after his £55m arrival from Borussia Dortmund was followed by an underwhelming, injury-affected first season in west London. He was limited to just 27 appearances in his debut campaign and scored only once as he battled persistent hamstring problems.
Fenerbahce are thought to be keen to add a winger to their ranks this summer, but they have made clear in a new statement that reports linking them to Gittens are wide of the mark.
Club's official response
A post on the club's website read: "Reports circulating in some media outlets today regarding our club's interest in Chelsea FC player Jamie Gittens are completely unfounded and do not reflect the truth.
"We once again clearly state that attempts to manipulate Fenerbahçe Sports Club through false transfer claims and artificially created agendas will have no effect.
"Fenerbahçe conducts its sporting structure, transfer policy, and future planning in all branches, especially football, in accordance with its own strategy, needs, and established programs.
"Therefore, we expect this approach of using our club's name to create public opinion and steer Fenerbahçe towards certain directions to cease."
It continued, saying the club was solely focused on its Super Lig season opener against Gençlerbirliği on Saturday night, before adding: "We respectfully request that our great Fenerbahçe fans disregard such unfounded news."
Gittens' pre-season form
It is the second time this summer Chelsea players have been subject to such statements, after Real Madrid came out to quash links to wantaway midfielder Enzo Fernandez in early July.
As things stand, Gittens seems to have played his way back into favour under new Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso. He was on the scoresheet in both of the club's early-summer behind-closed-doors friendlies, and went on to find the back of the net against Western Sydney Wanderers. He also featured in Saturday's friendly defeat of Real Sociedad.
Speaking after that match, Gittens explained he was looking forward to leaving his difficult first season in royal blue behind him.
"I'm feeling better now," he told the club's website. "My injuries are healing up now, so I feel really good. I feel in a good space with the team and in my body as well.
"It has been frustrating, but with God's grace I got through it, and he pulled me up today, so it's just great to score a goal. To be back on the pitch with the team was really good."
