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‘We know’: Everton player’s father says former club want him back

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A return to Besiktas is an option for Cenk Tosun but the striker has a role to play under Carlo Ancelotti at Everton for the time being, the Turkey international’s father told Asist Analiz.

It is almost three years now since the Toffees paid £27 million for a man who fired Besiktas to the Super Lig title in 2017.

It seems that, with almost every transfer window that goes by, suggestions that Tosun could make an emotional return to the club where he enjoyed the best spell of his career have increased in volume and regularity.

Besiktas president Ahmed Nur Cebi did little to quieten the clamour this week, when he admitted to Sports Haber that he would jump at the chance to bring a bona fide club legend back to Istanbul.

While Tosun’s father has confirmed that interest from Besiktas is real, a January switch appears unlikely.

“We know of Besiktas’s interest. We know that, if we go back to Turkey, there is a possibility of playing for Besiktas. We thank the president for this interest,” Senol Tosun said.

Besiktas’ Turkish forward Cenk Tosun celebrates after scoring a goal during the UEFA Champions League Group G football match between Besiktas and Monaco on November 1, 2017, at the… (BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images)

“But right now, Cenk is not in a situation where he will leave.

“He is very good with his coach, Ancelotti. He trusts Cenk very much. We do not think Ancelotti will sell him either.”

Tosun Sr did admit, however, that his son could be pushed out of the door if Everton sign a replacement.

“If Everton gets a star striker, if Cenk’s chances (of playing) are low, then (an exit) can be considered. But there is no such thing for now.”

Tosun might have played just 27 minutes of Premier League football this season but, with a lack of genuine depth in forward areas, Everton really cannot afford to sell.

Unless, as Tosun Sr himself admits, a replacement can be brought in from outside.

Cenk Tosun of Everton misses in the penalty shoot-out during the Carabao Cup Quarter Final match between Everton FC and Leicester FC at Goodison Park on December 18, 2019 in Liverpool,… (Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)