West Ham United have been linked with Okay Yokuslu.
According to a report in the Spanish publication AS, West Ham United are rivalling Sevilla for the signing of Trabzonspor holding midfielder Okay Yokuslu.
The report claims that Sevilla midfielder Steven Nzonzi is expected to leave this summer, and while Genk’s Sander Berge has been named as their ideal replacement, the La Liga club are also considering Yokuslu but face heavy competition from the Hammers.
West Ham are in the market for a new defensive midfielder what with Mark Noble now in his thirties while there are still question marks over the likes of Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate.
Yokuslu has been one of the most outstanding players in the Turkey Super League this season, featuring 22 times and recording an average of 2.5 tackles, 2.3 interceptions and 2.9 clearances per game (Whoscored).
The player has been dubbed by reports in Spain as ‘the new Busquets’ – in reference to his excellent ball control, passing ability and acceptance to receive the ball in tight spots.
At 23, Yokuslu has already earned full international recognition with the Tukey national team after featuring for the youth teams and he is now expected to be a mainstay in the senior squad.
David Moyes will be hopeful of having a large budget in order to push West Ham into the top half next season, but the reports in AS suggest that Yukuslu could be available at a potential bargain £7 million fee.
The 6ft 3inch midfielder has the characteristics be a success in the Premier League, and considering his reported fee, he is without doubt a gamble worth taking.
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