Ilhan stays with Besiktas

Besiktas JK striker Ilhan Mansiz signed a two-year contract extension on Sunday following protracted talks with the Istanbul club.

'Even more success'
Ilhan's contract was due to expire at the end of the current season and the club's vice-president Hüsnü Güreli revealed his delight after finally agreeing terms with the 27-year-old forward. "He will be at Besiktas for next two-and-a-half years," Hüsnü said. " I am sure that he will have even more success in the future."

'I am honoured'
Ilhan was also keen to commit himself to Besiktas despite admiring glances from a host of Europe's top clubs following his fine performances at the 2002 FIFA World Cup finals this summer. "I am honoured by the club's offer to extend my contract," the former Samsunspor striker said. "I am glad I can stay at Besiktas. There are many more goals I want to achieve and I chose to stay here because I want to accomplish them."

World Cup goals
His three goals at the World Cup finals in Korea/Japan were a key factor as Turkey finished third in the competition, while his three goals in this season's Turkish Super League have helped Besiktas to third in the standings, two points behind leaders Galatasaray SK.

Pancu and Cordóba hopes
Yildirim Demirören, another of Besiktas' vice-presidents, also confirmed that the club are hoping to agree similar deals with several other players. "Daniel Pancu and Oscar Cordóba are among the players we hope to sign permanently before the season ends," Yildirim said.

Impressive in Europe
Besiktas have also impressed in Europe this term and took a step towards the UEFA Cup's last 16 with a hard-fought 3-1 third-round victory against Ukraine's FC Dynamo Kyiv in the first leg at the Inönü stadium.