Liverpool transfers: Arda Turan going nowhere, insists Diego Simeone

Liverpool target Arda Turan will not be leaving Atletico Madrid in the January transfer window, according to the La Liga outfit’s head coach Diego Simeone.

The 25-year-old Turkey international has been linked with a move to Anfield – as well as Chelsea and Arsenal – in recent months.

Turan recently sparked fresh speculation over his future by saying in an interview with CNN Turkey that he would like to join a team “capable of winning the Champions League”.

But Atletico boss Simeone has moved to quash the reports, insisting that the Spanish club are not looking to cash-in on “one of their best players”.

“Arda isn’t going, definitely,” said Simeone. “I didn’t hear what he said but people have told me. Everyone has the right to say what he wants to, what’s important is what he does on the pitch.

“There isn’t a single Atletico supporter who wouldn’t say that Arda is one of the best players we have and that he gives his all in every game.

“He has a contract with the club, he’s ours, he’s an extremely important player for the squad and he demonstrates it when he has to.”

Turan’s agent Ahmet Bulut said last month that the midfielder is keen to leave Atletico at the end of the season.

“He wants a different experience. We are working now to try and do exactly that,” said Bulut. “Atletico know of our intentions. If successful, Arda will leave Atleti at the end of the season.”