According to reports in the Daily Mail, Newcastle United are ready to step up their interest in £18m-rated Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun after scouting him in Turkey’s 3-2 friendly defeat against Albania on Monday night.
What’s the word, then?
Well, the Daily Mail says that the Magpies watched the 26-year-old – who has been in impressive form this season – in action on Monday, with the centre-forward also having been scouted by Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, Everton, West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur previously.
The Daily Mail says that the Turkish giants want £18m for their star man, but they could also look to keep hold of him should they qualify for the knockout stages of the Champions League – they are currently top of Group G.
The report adds that while Magpies manager Rafa Benitez is keen to add to his squad during the January transfer window, he is still uncertain as to what funds he may have with the club currently up for sale and no takeover deal imminent.
Why do Newcastle want him?
To put it simply, they want him because of his goalscoring record.
Benitez will be concerned that his team have scored just 10 goals in 11 Premier League matches this season, and he will know that their record must improve if they are to stay away from the relegation zone.
With 10 goals in 15 appearances in all competitions for Besiktas this term, the 26-year-old has shown that he can find the net on a consistent basis, and it certainly isn’t a fluke campaign either.
The Turkey international netted 24 in 47 outings last season and also has eight goals in 25 caps for his country.
Would he be a good signing for Newcastle?
He certainly would be.
While Joselu has proven to be a decent addition it doesn’t seem as though he brings the goal threat that should mean he starts every Premier League game – he has two top flight goals this season – Dwight Gayle doesn’t appear to suit the lone striker role and Benitez doesn’t seem to trust that Aleksandar Mitrovic can keep himself out of trouble.
The 26-year-old has proven that he can play up front on his own and find the net regularly, and if he can be purchased for £18m that could prove to be a bargain in today’s market – the competition from other Premier League teams may be a problem though.
