“Mbappe went for €180m” – Tottenham & Newcastle suffer transfer blow as 24-goal striker valuation shoots up

Newcastle United and Tottenham have suffered a blow in the race to sign star striker Cenk Tosun.

The Turkey international scored in the UEFA Champions League once again last night during Besiktas’ 1-1 draw with Monaco in Istanbul.

Besiktas President Fikret Orman spoke to NTV Spor after the game and answered questions regarding Cenk Tosun’s future at the club.

Orman stated that they have placed a valuation in excess of €20 million on their star man.

“There’s no figure for him. These players are like my children – I have an interest in their careers. They aren’t machines,” Orman told NTV Spor.

“Mbappe went for €180m, [Naby] Keita for €70 or €80m, so placing a higher value than €20m on Tosun is not crazy.”

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The news will come as a blow to Premier League clubs interested in Tosun.

The Turkish outlet Fanatik report that Tottenham and Everton recently entered talks with Tosun’s representatives. Per the source, Newcastle United have also been linked with the striker.

Tosun has provided two assists and netted nine goals in 14 appearances for Besiktas this season. The 26-year-old scored an impressive 24 goals for the Black Eagles last season.

The star striker is expected to return to action this weekend when Besiktas take on Goztepe in the league.