Star striker is closer to Everton transfer

Transfer talk around Turkish international striker Cenk Tosun has accelerated over the last few days, and local media reports seem to indicate that a deal between Everton and Besiktas is closer than ever.

NTV Spor are reporting today that Tosun has already met with Club Chairman Fikret Orman, indicating that he would like a move to Everton and not interested in a transfer to Crystal Palace.

A few days ago the same source had reported that the Blues had already agreed to terms with the player at a 4 million € annual salary on a four-and-a-half year contract, and all that remained was the two clubs hashing out a transfer fee for the player, expected to be in the 20 million € (£18 million) range.

The Besiktas forward has sparkled this season, scoring 13 goals in 23 games this season including four goals and two assists in the Champions League group phase, propelling his side into the knockout round of the tournament.

The club are desperate for the funds from the sale of the forward to reinforce the squad ahead of a pair of key clashes against Bayern Munich in February. Besiktas are also well-placed in the Super Lig in fourth-place, just six points behind Istanbul Basaksehir at the top.

Everton meanwhile could desperately use a top striker up front after stuttering to two 0-0 draws in consecutive Premier League games. Sam Allardyce has already said that he would like to give Dominic Calvert-Lewin a break after he has been showing signs of fatigue, while Oumar Niasse and Sandro Ramirez have not shown they can carry the team for long periods.

Just four more days now until the transfer window opens, let’s see what happens.