Newcastle United are hoping to lure Besiktas’s Oguzhan Ozyakup to the Premier League. but the Super Lig champions are doing something very similar.
Newcastle United have their work cut out bringing Oguzhan Ozyakup to St James’ Park this summer.
Everton have been keeping a close eye on the 25-year-old Besiktas midfielder since well before Christmas and, with the former Arsenal youngster’s contract due to expire at the end of this season, Turkish Football claims that the Toffees will likely step up their interest.
Altough Newcastle have attempted to hijack the move and have informed the club of their interest. But while Newcastle want a Besiktas midfielder, it appears this works both ways.
Because, in a strange twist of fate, Turkish outlet Aksam are reporting that the reigning Super Lig champions have lined up a Magpies’ midfielder as Ozyakup’s successor.
It is understood that Besiktas have been following Dan Barlaser for a number of months now and like the idea that he can play in central midfield and also at right-back. The Turkish giants are set to meet Newcastle at the end of the season to discuss bringing the youngster to the Vodafone Arena.
Barlaser, who represented Turkey at U17 level but was born in Gateshead, has been part of Newcastle’s academy since 2006 and was handed his long-awaited first-team bow in a 3-1 FA Cup third round win against Birmingham City in January last year.
But he found opportunities hard to come by after that and was loaned out to League Two side Crewe Alexandra two months ago.
Losing one of their most highly-rated academy talents will frustrate Newcastle supporters who have not seen one of their own become established in the first-team since Paul Dummett.
But signing Ozyakup would make up for Barlaser’s departure.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
