Besiktas’ two-time Super Lig champion Cenk Tosun is still on the radar of Premier League strugglers Newcastle United and Crystal Palace.
The more the rumour has rumbled on, the tougher the stance Besiktas have taken over the future of star striker Cenk Tosun.
According to The Mail, the Turkish champions were willing to listen to offers of £12 million in the summer with Crystal Palace and Newcastle United both making moves. Now, however, with Tosun’s reputation going through the roof after he spearheaded Besiktas’ stunning performances in the Champions League, the red-hot 26-year-old will be far more difficult to sign.
Besiktas’ vice-president, Deniz Atalay, says clubs must now pay 100 million euros for Tosun, according to The Sun – though this is probably a reflection of his value to the club rather than his actual transfer fee.
Nonetheless, with Newcastle seemingly edging closer to a takeover and manager Rafa Benitez possibly in line for an enhanced January budget, The Magpies may still be hopeful that they can tempt Besiktas into a sale.
But do Crystal Palace, the lowest scorers in the Premier League, have a secret weapon up their sleeve?
It’s no secret that Christian Benteke isn’t a popular man at Selhurst Park right now, suffering the wrath of manager Roy Hodgson, not to mention the fans, after his dismal, last minute penalty miss in the recent 2-2 draw with Bournemouth. Benteke hasn’t scored all season.
But Sabah claim that Besiktas are keen to hand the Belgian an escape route – and may even consider offering Tosun in return. This kills two birds with one stone for Palace, getting rid of their out-of-form striker and replacing him with their top target at the same time.
With a potential swap deal on the cards, even a big-money takeover on Tyneside may not save Newcastle’s hopes.
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