NUFC editor Mark Douglas has admitted that despite our interest, Newcastle’s pursuit of Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun is ‘not going anywhere’ ahead of the January transfer window.
The Turkish star appears to be a striker we have had our eye on for some time, but there has always been doubts surrounding our ability to pull off such a deal.
It was revealed recently that NUFC’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson had jetted out to watch the striker in his Super Lig clash with Akhisar last week and their Champions League tie with Porto last night ahead of a potential January bid, however The Chronicle’s Mark Douglas does not sound too hopeful:
This comes following his superb assist in Bestikas’ Champions League encounter with Porto last night – setting up Ryan Babel in front of the onlooking NUFC scouts.
It was a huge goal for the club too, with their draw securing their place in the last 16 of this year’s Champions League:
CENK TOSUN TURNS THE GAME ON ITS HEAD GOOOOOOOL GOL GOL GOL TALISCA WITH THE FINISH! BEŞİKTAŞ EQUALISE AGAINST PORTO pic.twitter.com/MwnENNczW9
— Turkish Football (@Turkish_Futbol1) November 21, 2017
Given Tosun’s superb form over the past 18 months, this one has always seemed like a long-shot, with any chance of a deal being struck being dependant on new owners being in place by January.
Douglas echoes these thoughts too, admitting that the £20m rated striker is currently out of budget:
This only emphasises the need for a takeover to be completed ASAP, with it appearing that the signing of a top quality striker is totally dependant on new owners being in place by the time the January window comes around.
Here’s hoping our wish can come true, otherwise Benitez may well be in for yet another frustrating and cash-strapped spell in the market.
