Cenk Tosun has confirmed a willingness to return to his former club Besiktas and leave Everton before the transfer window closes, as reported by The Guardian.
The Toffees striker, who has netted just 11 goals in 58 games for the club since his £27m move in 2018, has been the subject of interest from Besiktas and CSKA Moscow, partly due to being a peripheral option under Carlo Ancelotti.
Despite a lack of obvious cover for Dominic Calvert-Lewin beyond the Turkish striker, the manager has dropped Tosun from the previous two matchday squads.
The Turkey international, keen for more senior minutes ahead of the European Championships in the summer, has spoken openly of a desire to return to his homeland if a deal can be reached.
The 29-year-old was speaking to NTV Spor (as relayed by The Guardian) over the possibility of a return to the Istanbul giants, saying:
“If Everton and Besiktas have an agreement, I am ready to wear the black and white jersey again.
“I would like to contribute to Besiktas until the end of the season.
“If Everton approves the transfer, it will not be a problem for me.”
Everton’s main priority in this transfer window seems to be focused on outgoings, as opposed to recruitment.
Yannick Bolasie has already confirmed his summer departure on Instagram, having sealed a loan switch to Middlesbrough in the final six months of his contract.
Ellis Simms, Matthew Pennington, Jarrad Branthwaite and Theo Walcott are some other notable departures in loan deals; and Tosun, who is under contract until 2022, could be set to join that list.
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It is somewhat puzzling as to why Everton would sanction Tosun’s departure without first ensuring there is adequate backup in place for Calvert-Lewin. The Toffees look likely to miss out on the race for top target Joshua Zirkzee to Serie A side Parma.
Although surplus to requirements right now, Tosun could be essential emergency cover at Goodison Park if there are no incomings before Monday’s transfer deadline.
