Papiss Cisse has been urged by Besiktas director of football Önder Ozen to consider a switch to the Turkish Super Lig.
Having missed out on an audacious attempt to bring in Brazil legend Ronaldinho to Turkey from Atlético Mineiro, Cisse is a man near the top of their wanted list.
As reported in last night’s Chronicle, the Magpies are prepared to sell their No 9, if the price is right.
Besiktas are joined by Trabzonspor, West Ham and Borussia Monchengladbach on a long list of admirers.
Ozen said: “He is a very valuable player, and a player I like.
“He could make the difference at Besiktas. The question would be if Newcastle will let him go and if Cisse would come to Turkey.”
United would need another striker through the doors if they were to let Cisse go.
The Magpies also want a fee of around £10m for his signature and bidding clubs would also have to at least match his wages.
Cisse is under contract for another three years and the only reason he is prepared to move on is because United have effectively frozen him out of their regular Premier League starting XI. His last start was in October in a 2-1 win over Cardiff.
United are hoping to tie up a loan move for Luuk De Jong before the window shuts, while Sochaux striker Cedric Bakambu has also been linked with a winter move.
There has also been talk of an end-of-season move for Montpellier’s Remy Cabella – and the team from southern France are interested in taking Hatem Ben Arfa on a possible deal.
The ex-Marseille man has not had the starts he wanted this season, but United would risk a negative response from fans if they were to sell one of their most entertaining players.
Written by Steve Milne
