Felipe Melo confirms Galatasaray agreement

Juventus midfielder Felipe Melo has confirmed that he has agreed to join Turkish side Galatasaray permanently.

The Brazilian spent last year on loan at the Turk Telekom Arena and played a key role in the Istanbul side's charge towards the Super Lig title.

Both the club and the player had hoped to make the deal permanent, but Galatasaray were unwilling to meet Juventus' asking price, seemingly derailing the transfer.

However, the 29-year-old defensive midfielder now looks set to sign a permanent contract, having shaken hands over personal terms.

According to Milliyet, Melo said: “I have finally reached an arrangement with Galatasaray and I want to start preparing for the Fenerbahçe game [on August 12].

“I'm hoping that it won't take long for Galatasaray and Juventus to reach an agreement.”

Galatasaray have offered Melo a contract worth €2.9 million per-season and a €20000 per-match bonus. The Lions have also put forward an offer to Juventus worth €6 million.

Galatasaray signed Melo for €1.5 million last summer on a season-long loan deal with a €13 million purchase option.

Melo made 36 appearances, scoring 12 goals, during Galatasaray’s league winning season in the Super Lig last year.

The Seleção international signed for Juventus for €25 million in 2009 after wearing the shirts of Flamengo, Cruzeiro, Grêmio and Fiorentina, among others.