Newcastle ‘willing to pay €19m’ for forward - Another potential Paul Mitchell target?

It is not clear if Newcastle United will make a signing over the final week of the January transfer window, even once cash comes in for Miguel Almiron's imminent move to Atlanta United.

What is clear, however, is that sporting director Paul Mitchell is pushing the club to recruit young gems able to sign for modest fees and develop into quality first-team players under Eddie Howe.

Bring in the right ones and it is a brilliant way to work within PSR restrictions, especially if these are signed alongside proven players able to immediately improve our starting 11.

New claims from Turkey on Toon-linked teenager

According to claims in the Turkish press, Newcastle United are showing a major interest in Besiktas’ 19-year-old forward Semih Kılıçsoy.

The Chronicle reported on the links last week, claiming Besiktas had been in contact over a deal, but links have intensified to the four-times-capped Turkish international over the past 48 hours.

A fee of £16m had been bandied about by various outlets and Turkish paper Milliyet now report that Newcastle are ‘willing to pay €19m’ (£16m in GBP) for Kılıçsoy.

This suggests the teenage forward is very much on Newcastle United’s radar, but it is unclear whether we are looking to make a move this winter or summer transfer window.

A potential Paul Mitchell target?

On paper the lad ticks a lot of boxes: his price, his age and talent all point to a footballer who has a long way to go but could offer something in the here and now as he is already performing at a decent level.

Kılıçsoy is also able to play on the left wing and United do need to prepare for Callum Wilson's likely exit later this year. He appears to very much be a Paul Mitchell type signing.

Others who have scouted Kılıçsoy highlight his: dynamic and intelligent movement, his technical ability with both feet, and his great balance and change of direction. He is very much a dribbler/creator/goalscoring hybrid.

Aston Villa were credited with an interest in the player 12 months ago and he's previously been compared to Aguero for his stocky build, low centre of gravity and eye for goal.

For the record, Kılıçsoy’s stats for his first full season at Beşiktaş read: 23 games, 11 goals, four assists. He has also scored 43 goals in 72 youth games prior to making his senior debut last season at just 18-years-old.

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