Emre has featured only once this season in the Carling Cup win over Barnsley and the summer signings of Geremi and Alan Smith have increased competition for places in Newcastle's midfield.

Emre, who is currently away on international duty with Turkey, claims former club Galatasaray want to sign him and that he would be keen on a return to Istanbul.

"I want to go back to Galatasaray, and they want me," Emre is quoted as saying in the Sunday Sun.

Galatasaray's vice-president Adnan Polat has confirmed the club's interest in bringing Emre back to Turkey.

"This is a transfer we can do in January," said Polat.