Russell Edge

Mon 27 November 2017 19:54, UK

Newcastle United have not offered Aleksandar Mitrovic as part of any deal for Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun, according to a report.

The Chronicle claim on their website that the Magpies hold strong interest in securing the services of the £20million rated striker, although feel the price tag placed on his head by the Turkish club is too lofty.

However they rubbished claims from Turkish news outlet DHA that Newcastle had looked to sweeten the deal by including their own striker Aleksandar Mitrovic up as part of a cash plus player swap deal.

The Serbian striker is said to be up for sale in the January window as manager Rafael Benitez looks to raise transfer funds, and with the 23-year-old currently the third choice striker on Tyneside would be a prime candidate to depart.

Tosun meanwhile could have been playing in the Premier League this season had Crystal Palace pulled off a reported £12.5million deal over the summer, but he instead remainged with Besiktas, where he has netted 10 goals in 13 appearances this season.

Football Insider verdict

News of a potential swap deal between Newcastle and Besiktas should not have come as a surprise, and although the claims have been rubbished, it could be something the Magpies explore at a later date. Benitez is happy to let Mitrovic depart and is seemingly desperate to snap up Tosun, so if a deal could be made it could prove to be a win-win situation. However the Turkish striker is unproven in England, so it would very much be a risk for Newcastle, especially considering their current lack of goals, which has seen them score twice in their last five games.