Newcastle have been linked with Besiktas captain Ozyakup for quite some time.
Turkish newspaper Aksam have claimed that Newcastle United have activated the £8.8m release clause in Besiktas captain Oguzhan Ozyakup’s contract ahead of a summer move.
Ozyakup, 25, has long been linked with a move to the Premier League after shining once again for the Turkish giants from the middle of the park. Sitting in holding midfield, Ozyakup created eight goals for his side throughout 2017-18.
Premier League sides have been repeatedly linked with the midfielder since his excellent 2016-17 campaign in which he scored five and set up 10 as Besiktas won the SuperLig. He has since impressed in the Champions League with Besiktas.
However, Ozyakup recently signed a new contract – only for that deal to include a tiny release clause which Newcastle are now believed to have activated.
It is believed that Rafa Benitez is keen to get a deal done as quickly as possible, and Turkey’s failure to qualify for this summer’s World Cup could help his cause. Ozyakup is also keen on a move to the Premier League.
However, Newcastle remain frustrated in the transfer market due to owner Mike Ashley’s belief that he should not have to give Benitez and funds to bring in new players – instead leaving Benitez to fend off of the club’s profits instead.
But if the report is to be believed, then Benitez could have indeed tempted Ashley into spending the seven-figure fee on Ozyakup ahead of a summer move.
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