Premier League rivals Newcastle United and West Ham are both among a number of sides chasing the capture of FSV Mainz’s promising forward Erkan Eyibil, according to Turkish Football.
The football news website claim that the English pair join a Europe-wide hunt for the 17-year-old attacker – who can play either on the wing or in an attacking midfield role – after his impressive performances for the German club’s under-19 side, where he has scored nine goals in 16 junior Bundesliga appearances.
It is stated that he has just one year left on his contract at Mainz and that he has been likened to fellow Turkish-born German Mesut Ozil for his style of play.
Good move for Newcastle or West Ham?
It can be difficult to judge how much of an impact a 17-year-old will have down the line and there have been plenty of stories of youngsters failing to make the grade after a move to a big club.
Eyibil is already at a side in one of Europe’s big divisions and it remains to be seen whether he would want to leave for pastures new without turning out for Mainz’s senior side this season.
He certainly seems to have plenty of promise and his record at under-19 level suggests he is an attacking talent who knows exactly where the goal lies.
With Newcastle having struggled to produce many youngsters through their youth academy, he would improve the quality for sure, while the Hammers too want to see more breakthrough starlets in east London.
This is Futbol rating: 7.5/10
Likely to happen?
With so many clubs seemingly chasing his capture it will no doubt be a battle for Newcastle or West Ham to get him over the line.
If it comes to a bidding war, the Magpies can be ruled out, so perhaps the Hammers can be considered as leading the hunt from England.
This is Futbol rating: Newcastle – 4/10, West Ham – 7/10