Besiktas have identified Newcastle United striker Papiss Cisse as the man to replace Demba Ba should he depart the club this summer, according to Turkish news outlet Aksam.
Ba only joined the Turkish outfit last summer in an £8million move from Chelsea, but admits he would welcome a return the England, where the standard of football is much higher.
“The fans in Turkey are very passionate and create a great atmosphere but it is no secret that the standard of football is of a lower quality than in England,” he said.
“The way I left Chelsea was not ideal but that’s life. I am still young and I believe I have another big move left in my career. The Premier League interests me and I am keeping my options open.”
The Black Eagles are now preparing a move for Papiss Cisse, who they held an interest in last summer before they signed his fellow compatriot.
Newcastle have slapped a £10million price-tag on the 30-year-old which, unless they recuperate a similar fee from the sale of Demba Ba, will prove to be a stumbling block. Besiktas will hope to persuade the Magpies to lower their asking price due to his age, temperament and injury record.
Cisse finished as Newcastle’s top scorer last season, despite two lengthy suspensions, netting 11 times in 22 appearances (only 11 starts).
