Newcastle United reportedly face competition from AC Milan for Oguzhan Ozyakup

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Oguzhan Ozyakup will be a free agent when his contract at Besiktas expires and Newcastle United want to bring the ex-Arsenal man back to England.

Newcastle United are trying to lure Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup to St James’ Park this summer – but do not expect the deal to be easy.

Turkish Football claims that the Magpies have been watching the 30-time Turkish international for a number of months now and have informed the reigning Super Lig champions of their intent to sign him in the summer.

Ozyakup, who spent part of his youth in Arsenal’s academy, is out of contract this summer.

And with The Chronicle claiming that Rafa Benitez has made signing a number ten his top priority, the 25-year-old fits the bill after scoring and assisting 12 goals en route to the Turkish title last season.

But according to Italian outlet Calciomercato, Newcastle could face competition from two of Serie A’s most historic sides – Lazio and AC Milan.

Lazio have had a fantastic season under Simone Inzaghi and sit fifth in the table, one point adrift of Inter Milan in the final Champions League qualification place. They are also in the quarter-finals of the Europa League.

Milan, however, are four points further back but have been racking up the wins since Gennaro Gattuso replaced Vincenzo Montella at the San Siro back in November.

So Newcastle might have a challenge on their hands convincing Ozyakup that Tyneside is the best place to further his career.