Out of favour: Striker Jo
Galatasaray are set to sign Jo on loan from Manchester City for
the rest of the season.
The Brazil striker is midway through a year-long loan at
Everton, but the Merseysiders are prepared to let him move after
poor form and discipline.
West Ham United were thought to be weighing up a move for the
22-year-old after wrapping up their long-awaited takeover, but
Galatasaray have beaten them to the punch.
The Turkish club's sporting director Haldun Ustunel has flown to
London for talks with City and are willing to put an attractive
offer on the table.
Jo is out of favour at Goodison Park and was recently suspended
by boss David Moyes for making an unauthorised trip back to his
homeland.
He is also surplus to requirements at City at the moment after
failing to make an impact since a £19million move from CSKA Moscow
in July 2008.
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is determined to strengthen his
attacking options and has missed out on loan moves for Brazil
striker Adriano and Italy international Luca Toni already this
year.
New Upton Park owners David Gold and David Sullivan admitted
they were keen to bring in forwards and defenders after completing
their takeover on Tuesday.
Zola continues to run the rule over Zenit St Petersburg striker
Sergey Kornilenko, who has been training with the Hammers since
last Friday.
Big plans: West Ham's new owners David Sullivan and
David Gold (foreground)
Reports that he could revive interest in Brazil striker Adriano
seem wide of the mark as the Flamengo star has indicated he is
unwilling to leave his hometown Rio de Janeiro club until the
summer.
Jo is one of a number of players who ambitious Galatasaray are
looking at as they fight for the Turkish title with Istanbul rivals
Fenerbahce.
Blackburn's Benni McCarthy, Aston Villa's John Carew and
Tottenham Hotspur target Ruud van Nistelrooy are also options.