NEWCASTLE UNITED have rejected the chance to sign Daniel Sturridge, with the Liverpool striker now looking likely to move to Turkey instead.

Newcastle attempted to sign Sturridge on loan in January, and Liverpool have instructed agents to contact the St James’ Park hierarchy to see if they remain interested in the England international.

However, Newcastle’s recruitment team have turned down the opportunity to hold discussions with Sturridge and his representatives, with Liverpool hoping to receive £15m for the 28-year-old.

There is still unhappiness at Sturridge’s decision to snub Newcastle in January, with the striker rejecting the Magpies in order to join West Brom.

There is also concern at the forward’s injury record, which saw him restricted to just two Premier League starts during his time at the Hawthorns.

Sturridge suffered from hamstring problems in the second half of last season, and has been plagued by a succession of injury set-backs in the last few years.

The striker has been offered to a number of European clubs, with Turkish side Fenerbahce understood to have signalled a strong interest in signing him.

It remains to be seen whether they are willing to meet Newcastle’s £15m asking price given that Sturridge is about to enter the final year of his contract at Anfield, but they have indicated a willingness to pay the England marksman £100,000-a-week.