SUNDERLAND striker Tore Andre Flo has put his family first and turned down rival offers from Turkish giants Galatasaray and Besiktas.

Galatasaray, leading the chase for the Norwegian international, were prepared to meet Sunderland's asking price - believed to be around £3m - and Flo's personal terms.

But his agent, Gunnar Martin Kjenner, confirmed that the former Rangers and Chelsea frontman was reluctant to expose his wife and three children to the volatility of Turkey.

Kjenner said: "I can confirm we had two offers from big clubs in Turkey, but after speaking to Tore Andre, we will not be pursuing that interest because of his family situation.

"He wants to stay at Sunderland, but also told me that if he is going to listen to offers, then Spain is the country he would most like to move to.''

That could offer encouragement to Atletico Madrid, who are understood to be keen to take Flo off Sunderland's hands - but only if there is no fee involved.

German sides FC Bochum and Schalke 04 have shown interest in Flo.

But following the signing of Danish striker Peter Madsen, a Bochum spokesman said: "We're no longer interested in Flo.''

Read more about Sunderland here.