Report discloses Benitez’s reservations about Newcastle linked Ozyakup

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Newcastle United have been tipped to bring Oguzhan Ozyakup back to the Premier League from Turkish Super Lig outfit Besiktas.

Six years after leaving Arsenal for Besiktas, Oguzhan Ozyakup has been heavily linked with a return to England in recent months, and Newcastle United have been one of the sides most closely tipped to sign the Turkish international.

Fotospor claimed recently that the Magpies were keen to lure the 25-year-old to St James’ Park this summer and were considering triggering the £12 million release clause in his contract.

Ozyakup helped Besiktas win the Super Lig title in 2016 and 2017, scoring and assisting 14 goals apiece in each of those two campaigns. So, in today’s market £12 million looks a bargain.

But in latest reports provided by the Chronicle, it seems that Ozyakup does not tick each and every box for Newcastle manager Rafa Benitez.

It is understood that a creative midfielder is at the top of Benitez’s summer wish list along with a prolific centre-forward, and up to ten players have been scouted extensively in the last six months, including Jack Wilshere, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Juventus’ Stefano Sturaro and Red Bull Salzburg play-maker Valon Berisha.

But, the Chronicle adds, Ozyakup does not have the flair that Benitez wants from a number ten, despite being labelled by some as Turkey’s answer to Zinedine Zidane.

It will be interesting to see, then, who the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager turns to instead.

The Sun (May 29, page 52) recently stated that Newcastle would be keen to sign Loftus-Cheek on loan from Chelsea this summer and, considering just how impressive he was for Crystal Palace last season, he could bring the drive and skill that the Magpies are lacking in the centre of the park.