Galatasaray complete triple signing

Galatasaray AŞ have concluded their lengthy search for a left-back by signing Alex Telles from Grêmio Foot-ball Porto Alegrense for €6.15m.

The former Juventude EC defender, 21, has penned a four-and-a-half-year contract with the Turkish champions. He joined Grêmio 12 months ago and immediately became a fixture in a side then coached by Vanderlei Luxemburgo, scoring once in 26 Brazilian Série A outings and featuring three times in the Copa Libertadores.

Galatasaray coach Roberto Mancini said: "I have been following him for almost four months. He is a strong, pacey player who uses his left foot very well. In addition to this, he is young but has significant experience. It will take some time for Alex Telles to get used to the league and his team-mates. However, he is an ideal player for the left-back position."

The Istanbul club have also brought in two domestic-based players. Right-back Salih Dursun, 22, has arrived from Kayserispor on a four-and-a-half-year deal in exchange for €2.75m. Salih was called up by Turkey for last autumn's FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Andorra and the Netherlands but has yet to be capped.

Belgian-born Umut Gündoğan, meanwhile, has made the move from first division outfit Bucaspor, agreeing terms to keep him with Cim Bom for the next four and a half years. The midfielder, 23, who has had spells at FC Brussels, RBC Roosendaal and Gençlerbirliği SK, cost €1.6m.

Eight points behind Fenerbahçe SK, second-placed Galatasaray return to Süper Lig action on Sunday when they visit Gaziantepspor. Mancini's men play Chelsea FC in the UEFA Champions League round of 16 on 26 February and 18 March.