Real keen to retain Nihat

Real Spociedad remain determined to hold on to Nihat Kahveci amid reports of renewed interest in the Turkish striker from several clubs.

There have been suggestions that the club would be forced to cash in on Nihat due to their crippling debts. The player turned down a new contract, but Real remain hoipeful of persuading him to extend his stay.

CSKA Moscow are reported to have made an offer for the player, but Sociedad president Jose Matia Asiazaran insists there is no chance of Nihat leaving before the end of the season.

“Yes, there is a formal interest from CSKA Moscow, but Nihat will not leave the club before the end of the season,” he stated.

For his part, Nihat is focusing his energies on saving Sociedad from relegation from La Primera.

“I can’t go now. I can’t walk out on Real Sociedad,” he stated.

“We are fighting to try and secure some tranquillity and I am one of those who thinks that the more strength there is in the team, the better.

“On Sunday we took a very important step in Santander, and now it is a question of continuing to take steps forward in the league.”