Newcastle United have stepped up their efforts to beat Everton to a deal for Besiktas and Turkey international midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper report that Newcastle have held talks with Ozyakup’s agent, Kees Vos, with the 25-year-old set to become a free agent this summer as his Besiktas contract comes to an end.
The Mirror claim that the Magpies are ready to meet Ozyakup’s wage demands of £2.5million-a-year, which amounts to around £48,000-a-week.
Everton boss Sam Allardyce is said to be keen on reuniting Ozyakup with Toffees’ January signing Cenk Tosun, who moved from Besiktas for £27million.
West Ham and Arsenal, where Ozyakup played as a youngster, are also reportedly in the hunt for his signature.
Good move for Newcastle United?
Yes.
Central midfield is a position where Newcastle will need to strengthen if they want to push up the table next season, with their current options not quite up to scratch.
Ozyakup represents a brilliant summer deal, with the 32-cap Turkey international ready to step back into English football after an impressive stint with Besiktas.
The fact that this would be a free transfer makes it a no-brainer, and Newcastle would do well to come out on top for him.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It does look likely that Ozyakup will move on this summer, and a switch to the Premier League is very much on the cards.
Newcastle are said to be willing to meet his wage demands, and that puts them in a good position to secure Ozyakup ahead of their rivals, whose stance on his salary is unknown.
This is Futbol rating: 6/10