Newcastle United boss Rafael Benitez has already begun to identify prime targets for the summer transfer window but his side look to have already suffered a blow.
The Magpies have been attributed with an interest in Besiktas ace Oguzhan Ozyakup, who is rapidly approaching the end of his contract on the continent, but reports state a Premier League rival are closing in on the 30-cap Turkish international.
Aksam state talks between Everton and Ozyakup’s agent are progressing well, with the 25-year-old keen on a move to Goodison Park as he can reunite with compatriot Cenk Tosun, who left Besiktas to join the Toffees in January.
As such, the report states Everton are expected to win the battle for Ozyakup’s services when his contract draws to a close this summer, handing a blow to Newcastle as well as other interested parties, which include West Ham, Arsenal and Valencia.
Ozyakup’s vast European experience would have been a superb asset to Newcastle and their loss will be Everton’s gain.
