Latest Aston Villa transfer news as Villa linked with striker ahead of big summer window
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Besiktas' Semih Kilicsoy (right) has been linked with Aston Villa
Besiktas' Semih Kilicsoy (right) has been linked with Aston Villa
Aston Villa have been tipped to revive their interest in Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy at the end of the season.
According to Turkish newspaper Sabah (via Sport Witness), Villa are expected to try their luck for the 19-year-old for a third time when the transfer window opens.
It is claimed they made two bids for Kilicsoy last summer but their offer of €16 million (£13m), plus €2m (£1.6m) in bonuses, was not enough to tempt Besiktas to sell.
Newcastle United apparently received the same response when they put forward a proposal in January.
The Magpies are said to remain keen on the teenager and a deal could be sealed for €15m (£12.6m) - despite that figure being below what Villa reportedly offered.
However, the report adds Villa are “expected” to make a third bid for Kilicsoy as they look to win the race for his signature.
Nottingham Forest and Fulham are also in the mix for the forward, according to CaughtOffside - although it is pointed out that Villa and Newcastle are “leading the race” to sign him.
Kilicsoy has scored four goals in 35 appearances this season for Besiktas, across the league and Europa League.
He was in terrific form last term as he found the net 12 times from 30 games in league and European competition.
The youngster has represented Turkey at various age groups and has four caps to his name at senior level.
In December, Besiktas president Huseyin Yucel discussed the interest from Villa in Kilicsoy last summer.
Yucel said: “Aston Villa made an offer for Semih Kilicsoy. Monchi’s first offer was 12 million euros (£10m).
"Then, it increased to 15 million euros (£12.5m). Semih would also play for our team for one year.
“They also asked me whether I wanted Diego Carlos or Alex Moreno. I couldn’t get this accepted. Fifteen million euros is too little.”
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