Newcastle United are preparing to sell Papiss Cisse to Super Lig side Besiktas, according to Joe Short of The Express.
Besikitas have been keen on signing the Senegalese striker for over a year and it now seems that the Turkish outfit are ready to follow up their initial interest with a bid – with the Mirror claiming an approach has already been made.
Besiktas are expected to meet their £10million price-tag for the acquisition of Cisse. Following former Newcastle United striker Demba Ba’s move to Chinese outfit Shanghai Shenhua [reportedly worth £9million, as per EuroSport], Besiktas are eyeing his compatriot to replace him.
Cisse arrived on Tyneside back in January 2012 from Frieburg, after Newcastle agreed a £10million fee with the Bundesliga club. He has gone on to establish himself as a key member of the Newcastle team – as well as a regular in the national team. The 29-year-old finished as the club’s top scorer last season after netting 11 times in 22 appearances.
Despite his fine goalscoring form, Cisse has suffered heavy criticism from pundits and some Newcastle fans for his temperament that saw him suspended for a total of 10 games last season – after repeatedly elbowing Seamus Coleman and spitting at Manchester United defender Jonny Evans.
Papiss Cisse will not be allowed to leave Newcastle until they have signed a replacement but, with efforts being made to land one of Charlie Austin, Bas Dost or Aleksandar Mitrovic, his exit seems inevitable.
