TURKISH star Emre jetted into Tyneside on Monday night as he looks to seal a move to St. James' Park.

The Inter Milan midfielder was met by Magpies manager Graeme Souness and First Team Coach Dean Saunders at Newcastle Airport, who hope to make him the club's second signing of the summer after Scott Parker.

Emre is due to undergo a medical on Tuesday as United look to wrap up a deal for the 24-year-old.

And the player himself is excited about the thought of playing in the Premiership.

He told nufc.co.uk: "I am so happy because Newcastle is a very big team and for me, the manager is a very important person."

Emre began his career at Galatasaray, a club United boss Souness once managed. The Scot has been a long-standing admirer of the left-sided schemer and is excited at the prospect of his arrival.

He told nufc.co.uk: "We've worked hard to get him here. Hopefully we can tie everything up and get him signed as he'll be a real addition to the squad.

"We're just going over the final details. There are a few things still to be decided but I'm confident we can do that.

"He will bring a bit of grit and determination and he's a real flair player as well. He works very hard, he's been in Italy for a number of years and has obviously learned a great deal of his trade out there.

"He will do well and he's keen to play English football. He sees it as a type of football that will suit him.

"We've still to tie up a few loose ends, but when he's signed I'll be a very delighted man."

Newcastle World TV cameras were present to capture Emre's arrival at Newcastle Airport. Click here to see our exclusive footage.

Emre made his senior debut for Galatasaray as a 16-year-old during the 1996-97 season after being discovered by the club's legendary manager Fatih Terim - and their rivals Fenerbahce have been keen to bring the left-sided midfielder back to his homeland this summer.

Indeed, such is his appeal back in his native country, that even the Turkish Prime Minister is understood to have personally contacted Emre asking him to return home for the 2005-06 season!

Emre - full name Emre Belozoglu - moved to Inter Milan for the 2001-02 season and has spent the last five campaigns at the San Siro. He made his international debut for Turkey against Norway in February 2000, and currently has 38 caps and three international goals to his name.

Regarded as one of the most talented Turkish footballers of all time, he was a key component of the Galatasaray team that remained unbeaten on its way to winning the UEFA Cup in 2000, beating Arsenal 4-1 on penalties in the final.

Emre also helped his country to a third-place finish at the 2002 World Cup, and such is his standing in the international game, that Brazilian legend Pele named him as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.

He is no stranger to Newcastle fans, having been part of an Inter side that defeated the Magpies 4-1 at St. James' in a Champions League encounter during the 2002-03 term.

If United are successful in signing Emre, then he will become the first Turkish player to represent the club, while he will also add to the impressive array of international midfielders already on Tyneside.

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