Porto star Mehdi Taremi has revealed he turned down an offer from Eddie Howe's Newcastle United when they were battling relegation at the foot of the Premier League table. The 30-year-old scored 22 goals and registered eight assists in just 33 games in Liga Portugal last season - an impressive return for a player approaching the latter stages of his career.
Taremi has been linked with a move away from Porto for a number of seasons with an impressive goal scoring track record of 80 goals in 147 appearances.
In a recent interview with Iranian press, as translated by Portuguese outlet Record, Taremi claims he turned down a move to Newcastle but never imagined they would have such a good team.
He said: “At that time, I didn’t imagine that they would get such a good team that would qualify for the Champions League. They were fighting not to go down…
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"I thought that staying at FC Porto was better. And we had many games in the Champions League, I couldn’t miss that.”
Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal are among the sides interested in Taremi, as he becomes the latest star of a European league linked with a move to the Middle East. The Saudi Pro League side saw an approach for Jose Mourinho turned down earlier this summer.
Premier League side Everton are now reportedly keen on a move for the Iranian, but he's not interested in a move to Goodison Park
“Now there is an opportunity, but even now, for example, Everton’s offer doesn’t interest me,” he added.
