West Ham Whispers

Bilic eyes bold move for former player likened to Mesut Özil

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Image for Bilic eyes bold move for former player likened to Mesut Özil

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Slaven Bilic is understood to be interested in making a bid for Besiktas midfielder Oğuzhan Özyakup according to Turkish newspaper Fanatik.

Özyakup, who recently played against England at the Etihad, is a real favourite of Bilic due to his attractive style of play and excellent vision. When Bilic was manager of Besiktas, the Croatian compared Özyakup to Arsenal star Mesut Özil:

“In my opinion Oğuzhan Özyakup is the most talented and best player in Turkey. He is a young Mesut Özil, look at his physique, it is almost the same.”

West Ham are already in negotiations with Besiktas for winger Gokhan Tore and Bilic may try and tempt the Turkish champions into selling one of their prized assets in Özyakup.

Besiktas’ club president Fikret Orman has stated in the past that he would only let a player like Özyakup leave for a team like Chelsea. Considering the season they’ve just had, West Ham may suddenly fancy their chances in signing the talented midfielder.

The 23-year-old is guaranteed Champions League football next year but a move to join up with his former manager in one of the best leagues in the world could be an attractive proposition for the midfielder.

Özyakup, who came through Arsenal’s youth ranks, usually occupies a deep-lying playmaker position for Besiktas. He contributed an impressive nine goals and seven assists in 30 league appearances this season as he established himself as one of Besiktas’ best players.

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