Summer setback for Benitez as midfielder 'in talks' with NUFC agrees to new deal
Just days after the Daily Mirror claimed we'd entered talks to sign Besiktas star Oguzhan Ozyakup, reports from Turkey have revealed today that the midfielder looks set to sign a new deal with the Istanbul giants.
The Besiktas captain was all set to leave the club on a free this summer, having failed to agree a new deal with the Super Lig side, however FotoMac claim he has now agreed personal terms over a contract extension.
On the plus side, it's stated in the story that a €12 million release clause (£10.5m) will be inserted into his new contract, meaning a move this summer is still very possible - however it won't be on a free as some at NUFC may have hoped for.
https://twitter.com/sessissimo/status/977852178588209152
The Mirror stated over the weekend that Newcastle officials had 'held talks' with the Turkish international's agent, Kees Vos, and were prepared to meet his wage demands of £2.5m per year. This may well have been the case, but it won't be over a potential a free transfer anymore.
So, although it now looks like he won't be leaving for nothing this summer, perhaps he's agreed to an extension to enable Besiktas to earn a fee for him? It would make sense.
After all, £10.5m wouldn't be a huge amount to pay for their captain and first-team regular who has an impressive 27 goals and 48 assists (from midfield) in 213 games.
