Newcastle have become the latest side to join the race for Besiktas midfielder Tolgay Arslan.

A source close to Besiktas revealed to Turkish-Football that Newcastle scouts have been present at recent games keeping tabs on Arslan.

The Magpies have started transfer efforts to sign the 27-year-old, making an inquiry to Besiktas.

Newcastle could face competition from Chelsea.

The reigning Premier League champions sent goalkeeper coach Christophe Lollichon and – loan player technical coach – Eddie Newton recently traveled to Turkey and scouted Arslan.

Turkish scout Koray Palaz accompanied the Chelsea officials and revealed that they kept tabs on the midfielder.

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“They were impressed with Tolgay, he is a great team player and has character,” Palaz said.

Arslan has established himself as a first-team star for Besiktas.

The Black Eagles have won the Super Lig title for the past two successive seasons. The midfielder recently signed a new Besiktas deal until 2022.

The Germany born midfielder joined Besiktas from HSV Hamburg in 2015 and would, therefore be able to play in England without a work permit.

The midfielder was one assist in 33 appearances for the Istanbul giants in all competitions this season.

Arslan would become the second Besiktas player to move to the Premier League after Cenk Tosun who completed a transfer to Everton in January.