Turkish side Yeni Malatyasor to hand Afriyie Acquah contract extension after rejecting move to Lecce

Turkish side Yeni Malatyaspor are set to give Afriyie Acquah an extended one-year contract after vetoing against his proposed move to U.S Lecce, GHANAsoccernet.com can exclusively reveal.

Acquah joined the Yellow and Blood lads on a two-year contract with the option to extend in the summer.

The combative midfielder has quickly established himself as a key member of the team, helping them to 9th place on the Turkish Supaliga standings.

Acquah’s future appeared to be away from the Malatya Arena after agreeing a move to Italian side U.S Lecce in the ongoing winter transfer window.

We (GHANAsoccernet.com) reported that the 28-year-old will undergo a medical at Lecce on Monday to complete the deal.

However, a last-ditch intervention from some management members of Yeni Malatyaspor has collapsed the move.

It's a decision born from their believe the Ghanaian will continue to play an important role in their aim to secure a European berth following their strong performance in the first half of the season.

The board have decided to trigger his one-year contract extension to convince him to remain at the club.

The news will be a massive blow to Lecce who are keen to sign the player as a replacement for Andrea Tabanalli who left to join Frosinone Calcio.

Acquah has been identified as the player to help the Giallorossi in their quest to beat the Serie A drop.

The former TSG Hoffenheim midfielder has provided 3 assists in 14 appearances.

He has played for Empoli, Torino, Sampdoria, Parma and Palermo in Italy.