Once he has arrived in Turkey the New Zealand international will undergo a medical examination and hold contract discussions with the Ankara-based side with a view to signing a two-year deal.

United CEO Clive Mensink said the transfer process was in its ‘early stages’ but wished Smeltz well should the deal proceed as expected over the next 72 hours.

“Naturally, we will be sorry to see Shane go, but we are pleased that he may now be able to pursue his dream of playing with a major overseas club,” Mensink said.

“He has been the subject of constant transfer speculation since he returned from China, but to his credit has remained focussed on his job at Gold Coast United, which was illustrated by his tremendous performance in Wellington recently.

“If this transfer is completed we wish him all the very best for the future.”

Prior to departing on his flight to Ankara, the All Whites attacker thanked United for their swift attention to the enquiry from Genclerbirligi SK, a club that already has one former Hyundai A-League player on their books, midfielder Mile Jedinak.

“Gold Coast United’s owner, Clive Palmer, CEO Clive Mensink and Miron Bleiberg have all been fantastic with me since I returned from China and I would like to place on record my sincere thanks for everything they have done and all their support,” Smeltz said.

“Genclerbirligi are a stable club who play in a strong competition and I’m looking forward to holding discussions with them over the next couple of days.”