Everton starlet Henry Onyekuru has been made a transfer priority by Besiktas.
A source close to the club revealed to Turkish-Football that the Nigeria international has been added to the shortlist – alongside several other players.
Besiktas want to sign a new attacker after failing to find a replacement for Cenk Tosun.
The club believe their close ties to Everton will help them secure a loan move with a buyout clause option.
Everton signed the 20-year-old from KAS Eupen last summer, but sent him out on loan to Anderlecht to gain experience as he couldn’t secure a work permit to play in England.
The striker had 10 goals in 27 appearances for the Belgium giants before suffering a serious knee injury.
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Onyekuru returned to Everton for his rehabilitation at Finch Farm.
Despite making a recovery in April, the rising star did not feature against for the Belgium giants.
Anderlecht have been accused of trying to sabotage Onyekuru’s career, purposely not giving him playing time so he would be overlooked for the World Cup squad which would have increased his chances of a work-permit to play in the Premier League.
A source told Score Nigeria: “Onyekuru not playing since his full recovery from injury is not funny. He has not been played for Anderlecht’s main team after his recovery not because he is not fit but because of what I will call selfish interest.
“The club want him to stay for another season and know Henry will get a work permit to play for Everton if he features at the Russia 2018 World Cup. I think the coach is trying to prevent that from happening.
“Henry has played for the reserve team and it was obvious in those games he is fully fit. In fact the club’s fans are not happy because Anderlecht lost in the championship to Standard Liege at home. They were given impression Henry is not fit but they know he is okay now.”
With tensions between the Nigeria camp and Anderlecht it could make another loan deal in Belgium unlikely.
