Newcastle transfer news: Toon linked with £18million Turkey and Besiktas goal machine Cenk Tosun
Rafa Benitez wants new players at St James' Park but owner Mike Ashley wants to sell the club making deals more difficult
NEWCASTLE are keeping tabs on £18million Turkey and Besiktas goal machine Cenk Tosun.
The 26-year-old has been scouted by the Toon’s Premier League rivals Crystal Palace, Everton, West Ham and Tottenham.
But none have been convinced to splash the cash for the prolific marksman who created both his side’s goals in the 3-2 loss to Albania on Monday.
Tosun has scored nine goals in 14 games for Besiktas this season and 20 for Super Lig club last campaign and is a Toon target, according to the Mail.
With owner Mike Ashley desperate to sell the club it seems unlikely he will part with almost £20m for the forward as the purse strings remain military tight.
But St James’ Park boss Rafa Benitez has been pleading for reinforcements and if Ashley can see some sell-on value then a deal could be done.
SUN BETS: BET £10 GET A FREE £30 BET
Newcastle's transfer record remains the £16.8m paid Real Madrid for Michael Owen 12 years ago a and it looks unlikely to be broken under the current ownership.
The Toon had scouts in attendance for Mobnday’s friendly and the talent spotters would have been impressed with what they saw - despite Tosun coming out on the losing side.
TOON TALK Newcastle United’s are expected to confirm the takeover of the club this week
The German-born former Frankfurt star Tosun was prolific at every youth level for the German side, scoring 20 goals in 40 games for the U19s and 12 in 17 games for the reserves.
But, after making just one senior appearance, he joined Super Lig side Gaziantepspor in 2011 where he built his reputation.
The finisher has also credited his success to lessons from a former Newcastle and West Ham striker, he said: “People say I’m good at finishing in the penalty area and I agree with them.
“Also, I can use both my left and my right foot very well and don’t have a preference, which is a definite advantage.
“I learned a lot from Demba Ba and Mario Gomez – I developed and gained a lot of experience.
“They are both top-quality strikers. I increased my goal haul last season and finally felt ready to break into the starting XI. The coach trusted in me and I’m repaying his faith by scoring.”
