With the European Championships now less than three months away, a 6-1 defeat may have actually given a midfielder on the radar of Tottenham, Newcastle United and Aston Villa a timely boost.
The much-coveted enforcer was not, after all, one of the players who started as Ralf Rangnick’s Austria side ran riot in midweek, cruising to a six-goal victory as they continue to cement their status as one of the summer’s ‘dark horses’.
That, interestingly, was a tag worn by Turkey back in Euro 2020. One that they certainly didn’t live up to, a group-stage exit taking many by surprise. If head coach Vincenzo Montella cannot find a way to stiffen up a defence hit for six by Austria at the Ernst Happel Stadium, then another early departure could be heading Turkey’s way.
And Ismail Yuksek, who started on the bench during that midweek capitulation, may be feeling a little more confident of securing a place in Montella’s first XI now. Especially after watching Dortmund’s Semih Ozcan – chosen ahead of him – chase Austrian shadows in Vienna.
Tottenham and Aston Villa targeting Turkey international
HITC Football understands that Yuksek, one of the standout talents currently plying his trade back home in Turkey, is on the radar of Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Newcastle United, Bournemouth and also Wolves, as well as clubs in Italy and Germany.
Yuksek, like the talented left-back Ferdi Kadioglu, is expected to leave Fenerbahce this summer in the face of such interest. Omer Faruk Uzuner, who worked with the late-blooming 25-year-old during his time as a youngster at Golcukspor believes that the bidding should start in excess of £20 million.
But even that could be a bargain of a fee for a man who’s keenly-felt absence will have made Turkish hearts grow stronger vs Austria.
“I think that Ismail can leave if he receives offers from clubs such as Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester City,” Uzuner tells Sporx. “Fenerbahce will not sell him for a figure below 25 million euros.”
A Hojbjerg replacement at Spurs?
There is nothing to suggest, so far, that Barcelona, Real Madrid or Man City are keen. The likes of Tottenham, Aston Villa or Newcastle, however, will likely appeal to a man who, averaging 2.5 successful tackles per game, is emerging as one of the best ball-winners in the Turkish Super Lig (WhoScored)
Yuksek saw a £9.5 million bid from French side Lyon fall short in January. He could replace the unhappy Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg at Tottenham. Villa, meanwhile, have seen their lack of depth in hte number six spot exposed by Boubacar Kamara’s season-ending injury.
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