Brighton and Hove Albion have offered £17.5 million for Turkey international Ugurcan Cakir but, according to Posta, Besiktas are demanding some £10 million more for their much-coveted goalkeeper.
While Robert Sanchez deserves plenty of credit for the way he has made the step up from League One to the Premier League, earning a call-up for the Spanish national team just one year after a loan spell at Rochdale, this has not stopped the Seaguls from scouring the market for a new shot-stopper.
It seems likely that Matt Ryan will depart, having joined Arsenal on loan in January.
Jason Steele, meanwhile, is an experienced back-up rather than someone capable of really challenging Sanchez for the number one shirt.
Cakir, then, would represent a sizeable upgrade on the ex-Sunderland glovesman.
One of the most promising young goalkeepers in Europe, Cakir is the star man of Super Lig challengers Besiktas and the first-choice for a Turkey side who may just be one of the dark horses at this summer’s European Championships.
Posta claims that Brighton have offered £17.5 million – a fee that would make Cakir the club’s third-biggest signing of all time.
Besiktas, however, want £26 million, plus 20 per cent of any future sale.
The report adds that, if Brighton are unwilling to make Cakir their record addition, Tottenham, Sevilla, Chelsea and RB Leipzig consider making a move.
It is no secret that Spurs are eyeing a new goalkeeper themselves, with Cakir joining Sam Johnstone, Koen Casteels and Mike Maignan on the hit-list.
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