Newcastle United are stepping up their pursuit of Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun and are preparing a £13million bid for the Turkish international, according to Fotomac.
The Turkish outlet report that the Magpies are to send scouts to watch the striker in Besiktas’ Super Lig match against Akhisar, and their Champions League clash with Porto.
They are reportedly readying a £13million bid for the player, who has impressed this season with 10 goals in 15 appearances, including four in four Champions League games.
Money may be an issue, with the Turkish club holding out for £18million for their star man, who is reported to be keen on a move to the Premier League.
Good move for Newcastle?
Rafa Benitez’s side have struggled for goals this season, only netting 10 in their first 11 games.
Summer signing Joselu has failed to make an impact despite emerging as Benitez’s first-choice striker, with Dwight Gayle and Ayoze Perez struggling for minutes.
Aleksandar Mitrovic has fallen completely out of favour, and a striker must be Benitez’s first priority if Newcastle want to guarantee survival.
Tosun would seem to be a brilliant choice for the Magpies, offering Champions League experience and goalscoring know-how.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
Newcastle’s pursuit of Tosun has been reported for a long while now, which would seem to suggest it is genuine.
The Turkish club have made it known that they will not let their star striker leave for anything less than £18million, but if Amanda Staveley’s protracted takeover is completed before the transfer window then that amount shouldn’t be a problem for the club.
The new development in the story is that Tosun is now said to be keen on a move to the Premier League, which would mean that Newcastle now do have a real chance of securing his services.
However, Besiktas’ success in the Champions League so far means it is likely they will qualify for the knock-out stages, something that Tosun will not want to miss out on, especially considering it is his goals that have carried them so far.
A summer move would therefore seem the more likely option.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10