‘The Club Have Watched Him, Yes’ – Crystal Palace Boss Confirms Interest In €40m Chelsea Target

Crystal Palace are keeping tabs on Besiktas striker Cenk Tosun, Roy Hodgson has confirmed.

Hodgson admitted he is familiar with the Turkish international but is unaware of an official bid being made.

The former England national team manager revealed that he has no information on whether the club are preparing a bid either.

“I know him, he plays in the Champions League,” Hodgson was quoted as saying by Sky Sports.

“The club have watched him, yes. I don’t think there’s been any further contact between the clubs, I’d be surprised if that’s the case.

“At the moment I have no information whatsoever that we are going to sign Cenk Tosun so if tomorrow the chairman says to me I’ve got you a player, Cenk Tosun, I shall be as surprised as you are.”

See More: Liverpool star, Gareth Bale & others miss out on Champions League Goal of the Group Stage, Cenk Tosun picks up award for second successive season

Palace have struggled for goals this season and do not have a first-team forward available to face Swansea this weekend, with Christian Benteke suspended.

Per the source, Besiktas have already rejected an £18m bid from Palace for the 26-year-old.

The Eagles could however, face competition from Chelsea who have been scouting the forward according to Besiktas club secretary Ahmet Urkmezgil.

“We have no plans to sell Cenk Tosun, will this be the case in the future? that we don’t know, it may chance,” Cebi said.

“Our current stance is clear, we want Cenk to stay on.”

Besiktas now value their star man as being worth €40 million.

Tosun has been in great form this season scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in all competitions – include four goals and two assists in the Champions League.

The Turkish international also picked up the Champions League Goal of the Group Stage award for the second season running for his finish in the 3-1 win over Porto on Match Day 1.