Goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan dies in Turkey earthquake

Turkish goalkeeper Ahmet Eyup Turkaslan has died following the deadly earthquake that struck his home country, his club Yeni Malatyaspor has confirmed.

After joining the club in 2021, Turkaslan, 28, played six times for Turkish second division club Yeni Malatyaspo.

Following the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck close to the city of Gaziantep and also had an effect on neighbouring Syria, the goalkeeper was reported missing on February 6.

Later, his lifeless body was discovered beneath the debris.

Former Chelsea and Newcastle forward Christian Atsu is also one of the victims of the deadly quakes in Turkey. He was rescued from the rubble of a collapsed building.

The Ghana international plays for Turkish club Hatayspor.

A club spokesman on Monday told Turkish media that Atsu was thought to be in a building that was brought down by the 7.8 magnitude earthquake and aftershocks that struck southeastern Turkey and neighbouring Syria.

The death toll climbed above 7,700 and was expected to rise further.