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Newcastle United reportedly ready to battle Everton for Ozyakup

By Roy Emanuel

LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Oguzhan Ozyakup of Besiktas talks to the media during a press conference at Emirates Stadium on August 26, 2014 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - AUGUST 26: Oguzhan Ozyakup of Besiktas talks to the media during a press conference at Emirates Stadium on August 26, 2014 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images) /
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“I can feel the warning signs, running around my mind…”

Newcastle United and manager Rafa Benitez are certainly able to breathe a sigh of relief this week, with top-flight safety secured following their victory against Arsenal last weekend. There will be a focus on the upcoming summer transfer period, and midfield reinforcements could be on the way to the North East.

Recent reports have linked the Toon with a move for Oguzhan Ozyakup, with Everton keen to bring him in as well. The Besiktas midfielder would be available on a free transfer, and Newcastle are prepared to offer £2.5 million per season according to The Mirror.

Ozyakup’s skill and attack-minded style of play would likely bring a significant boost to United’s goalscoring numbers, an area that Benitez will want to address for 2018-19.

A promising talent at the academy level with Arsenal, the Turkish international may find Goodison Park to be a tempting destination.

Ozyakup’s former Besiktas team-mate Cenk Tosun now plays for Everton, and that aspect might have a significant influence on his ultimate decision.

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If Newcastle are able to secure his signature, the club will add a dynamic presence in the middle of the line-up. However, there could also be questions that need answers in terms of how he fits into the team.

A numbers game

Benitez would likely want Ozyakup to play centrally. That choice becomes a bit more difficult when considering the form of Jonjo Shelvey and Mohamed Diame as of late.

If the Toon boss plays him higher up the pitch, that could impact Ayoze Perez, who has been contributing greatly to success during the squad’s current winning run. Depth should be a priority, and it would be interesting to see how the Magpies manage that potential addition.

Next: Newcastle are now fighting for eighth place

Newcastle United and Rafa Benitez need to improve the attack this summer, and Oguzhan Ozyakup may be the player to help start that process.