Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has turned to West Ham manager Slaven Bilic for some transfer advice.
Besiktas star Oguzhan Ozyakup celebrates
According to Turkish newspaper Fanatik, Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has asked West Ham manager Slaven Bilic for information on Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup.
Whilst much of the speculation surrounding the Red Devils is focused on a possible move for Juventus ace Paul Pogba, it seems that Mourinho is even targeting other midfielders.
New Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho
Turkish newspaper Fanatik claim that Mourinho is eyeing a move for Besiktas playmaker Oguzhan Ozyakup, who hit ten goals and eight assists last season.
The 23-year-old midfielder may be known to some Arsenal fans having spent time in the Gunners’ academy, and has become a star in Turkey with Besiktas.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Federico Fazio (L) and Besiktas’ Oguzhan Ozyakup in action
A skillful attacking midfielder, Ozyakup could be a smart signing for Mourinho – and the report claims that he’s even called a rival Premier League manager for some advice.
It’s stated that Mourinho has spoken to West Ham manager Slaven Bilic – worked with Ozyakup at Besiktas – for some advice about the player, and allegedly received a glowing review from the Croatian.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic
It’s added that Besiktas value Ozyakup at around €20m (£16.9m), and United will now be weighing up whether to meet that asking price.
The report is somewhat wacky, given that you rarely hear of rival Premier League managers helping each other, and if Bilic rated Ozyakup so highly, he may well have tried to splash the cash on the playmaker himself.
Regardless, Bilic appears to have approved Mourinho’s move for the player, and we could see the former Arsenal youngster get his chance in the Premier League next season.
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