Bohemians could raise €110,000 if Turkish bid for ex-gypsy Jonathan Afolabi goes through

But with reports of UK interest in Afolabi, that potential could be dashed if an English club makes a belated attempt to hijack the deal his Belgian side Kortrijk are willing to accept, as they appear to have resigned themselves to losing the former U-21 cap. Championship and League One sides have previously been linked with the former Southampton and Celtic man.

If a move to Turkey goes through, it would bring in a hefty sum of money for his old club Bohs. The deal reportedly includes a 20% sell-on clause in the deal, which is why Afolabi only left for Kortrijk in January last year on a two-and-a-half-year contract.

It would also give Kortrijk a profit of €300,000 on a player who has not yet been with them for a full season. Sivasspor reportedly offered €550,000 in advance with another €150,000 in extras.

Afolabi (24) was pursued by a number of foreign clubs at the end of the 2023 Irish League season, where he finished as top scorer, but Bohs accepted an offer from Kortrijk, who wanted to help Afolabi in their relegation battle.

He struggled with injuries during his time in Belgium, but played a role as Kortrijk remained in the top division after a series of play-off matches. Afolabi scored once in 13 games for Kortrijk and also provided a number of assists.

Sivasspor finished seventh in the Turkish top flight last season, just outside the European places, and are currently managed by former Turkish international Bülent Uygun.

They have a number of foreign players in the squad, including former Tottenham player Alex Pritchard and Albanian international Rey Manaj, but they were made aware of Afoalbi following his performances in Ireland and Belgium.

Afolabi was called up to the Irish national team by Stephen Kenny last year and is keen to progress internationally.