Southampton join race for £30m Newcastle striker target, several clubs prepare to battle for in form Champions League star

Southampton have joined the race for Besiktas star striker Cenk Tosun according to Fotospor.

Per the source, Crystal Palace, Southampton, Newcastle, Manchester City, Atletico Madrid, Espanyol, Schalke and St.Etienne have been regularly scouting Tosun in person this season.

Newcastle United have been closest linked with the prolific striker but the Saints have entered the race.

The Magpies have prioritised signing a new striker, only four Premier League sides have scored fewer than their 11 goals this season.

Crystal Palace had the chance to sign Tosun last season but the report claims that the London based outfit are no longer an option due to poor form.

After all Tosun is playing for a side in the title race, on course for their third successive league title.

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Additionally Besiktas have already qualified for the Champions League Last 16 as Group G leaders with Tosun scoring four goals and providing two assists.

Southampton could however, offer worth competition for Newcastle but with three forwards Gabbiadini, Austin and Long available a new goalscorer may not be a priority.

A source close to Besiktas told Turkish-Football that club president Fikret Orman does not not want to sell Tosun in January and that it would take a £30 million bid to prize him away during the winter break.

Tosun has a total of 10 goals and two assists in 18 appearances for the Istanbul giants this season.