West Ham have been given a boost in their pursuit of Besiktas midfielder Oguzhan Ozyakup as Ligue 1 club Marseille have dropped their interest in the player, according to reports from La Provence.
The report states that Marseille are no longer interested in the 24-year-old as he does not occupy the position they are trying to strengthen.
The Turkey international usually plays as an attacking-midfielder, a position he has played in constantly during his five seasons with Besiktas since moving from Arsenal’s youth ranks in 2012. Since the move, Ozyakup has made 181 appearances, scoring 27 times and making an impressive 41 assists.
Slaven Bilic is reported to be interested in the midfielder having coached him for two years during his stint as Besiktas manager, and will receive a boost in his pursuit of the former Gunners youngster with Marseille having restricted interest.
The Hammers may still face competition from his former side Arsenal however, with Gunners scout Jurgen Kost saying: “Ozyakup is a player we have been closely tracking and when we do our next search for players in his position there is a possibility he return to Arsenal.” whilst speaking with Turkish Football.
Besiktas value Ozyakup at around £17.5 million.
