Newcastle United have tabled an £8.7million bid for Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup that triggers his release clause, according to Aksam.
The Turkish newspaper claim the Premier League club have made a formal move for the 35-times Turkey international and he is keen to transfer to St James’ Park.
Aksam report that Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez is very keen to seal a quick deal for Ozyakup and take advantage of the fact his country are not competing at the World Cup.
OPINION
Newcastle have been strongly linked with a move for Ozyakup in recent years but their pursuit is a complicated. The former Gunner was out of contract this summer but reports in Turkey suggest he has agreed new terms and is then set to be sold to a side that trigger his release clause. Newcastle are in the market for a creative number ten who can combine the midfield and attack and help provide greater cutting edge in the final third. Ozyakup did not get much of a look-in at former club Arsenal but his record in Turkey demands respect. He has a mighty fine scoring and creating record, netting 27 goals and assisting 50 more since quitting the Premier League in 2012 to join Besiktas. Those numbers look even better when you throw in that he spent most of last season playing in a deep-lying playmaker role. For £8.7million, he would represent very good business, especially if Newcastle cash in on Mikel Merino, as seems increasingly likely, this summer.
