Everton rumoured to have made bid for star striker

Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun has long been rumoured with a move away from the Super Lig, despite the Turkish team topping their Champions League group and having the vagaries of the draw see them face Bayern Munich in the first elimination round in February.

Turkish media sources are reporting that Everton have already reached an agreement on personal terms with the striker’s camp, and all that remains is for Besiktas to accept the transfer fee offered.

While the number mentioned here is £14 million (16 million €), Turkish sports outlet NTV Spor say the number is 20 million € (£18 million), which it could well be with add-ons in the contract. His current deal expires at the end of the 2018-19 season.

Tosun broke onto the scene last season with 24 goals in 47 appearances across all competitions, and has 13 goals in 23 games this season including four goals and two assists in the Champions League group phase as well.

Everton have used a combination of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Oumar Niasse to replace the Romelu Lukaku shaped hole in the forward ranks, but could use a proven goalscorer in the position.

The 26-year-old has experience playing in the 4-2-3-1 formation, is equally adept with both feet and is strong in the air, and has pace to burn as well - all very admirable qualities that the Toffees could use.

Tosun could be a real difference-maker for the Blues in the striker role - however, this move doesn’t seem to be very feasible considering the lofty heights of the Champions League in which he’s in now, and with Besiktas in fourth place in the Super Lig and well-primed to qualify for European football again. Besides, why would they let their key player go for such a measly sum in the current transfer market?

We’ll call for caution on this rumour until we hear more about it.