West Ham boss Bilic worked with Tosun at Besitkas – but any possible departure by the Croat could give Tottenham Hotspur a major boost.
It’s difficult to judge Tottenham Hotspur’s reported interest in Cenk Tosun. According to Turkish Football, the Besiktas forward would cost around £17 million which, if you take into account his prolific form throughout this season, appears justified.
Tosun has netted 20 times in all competitions for the Turkish giants this season, ousting the highly-rated Porto loanee Vincent Aboubakar while his stunning bicycle kick against Benfica earlier in the season was voted by UEFA as the best strike in the Champions League group stages.
However, Tosun has only ever played in Turkey apart from one appearances for his debut club Eintracht Frankfurt. Therefore, like former AZ goal machine Vincent Janssen, he would be arriving at White Hart Lane with a reputation built on goals in a lesser European league.
Nonetheless, Mauricio Pochettino needs a back-up option for Harry Kane though, according to Fanatik, there is no shortage of suitors.
They claim that West Ham United are keen with manager Slaven Bilic having worked with Tosun for two seasons at the Istanbul club. However, with the Daily Mail claiming that The Hammers will not offer the popular Croatian a new contract and have started sounding out replacements, Bilic’s pulling power may no longer be a factor.
Furthermore, Spurs could also have an advantage over Bundesliga giants Bayer Leverkusen.
Fanatik claim that they are also interested but, with Tayfun Korkut’s side (below) now 14 points adrift of Hoffenheim in the final Champions League place, Tottenham would surely appear a far more attractive proposition if they finish in the Premier League’s top four.
As it stands, there is a seven point gap between themselves in second and Manchester United in fifth.
There’s nothing to suggest that Tosun is basing his decision solely on his chances of playing in Europe but, clearly, the offer of Champions League football won’t do Tottenham any harm.
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