Can Newcastle convince Oguzhan Ozyakup to snub Everton?

Follow us on Google Discover

Premier League pair Newcastle United and Everton are going head-to-head to sign Besiktas’ Oguzhan Ozyakup from the Turkish Super Lig.

On the same day that Newcastle United have informed Besiktas of their interest in Oguzhan Ozyakup, the Turkish international midfielder has been tipped to sign a new four-year contract with the reigning Super Lig champions.

Typical.

According to Turkish Football, the Magpies have been scouting Ozyakup all season and have now made an enquiry to sign the former Arsenal youngster who, as it stands, will be a free agent at the end of this campaign.

An energetic and creative central midfielder who has been compared by some to none other than Zinedine Zidane, it is no wonder Newcastle are interested, or why Besiktas are desperate to keep the 25-year-old at the Vodafone Arena.

But if Ozyakup does decide to return to England this summer, Newcastle will be hoping that they have a slight advantage over Premier League rivals Everton, who Turkish Football claim are still keen on the 32-capped star.

Because Ozyakup, whose five goals and seven assists helped Besiktas to the title last season, is far from the only attacking midfielder on Everton’s radar.

Everton’s interest in signing Arsenal’s number ten Jack Wilshere has been well documented, via the Sun, while the same publication (27 March, page 55) claims that Norwich City’s £25 million talisman James Maddison is also on their radar.

Could Newcastle convince Ozyakup to move to Tyneside by making him their top priority?

Rafa Benitez will hope so as the 25-year-old would represent an immediate improvement to their starting XI.