Besiktas have set an asking price of £3.4m to allow Romain Saiss to leave the club as Everton and Nottingham Forest battle for his signature.
The Morocco international wants to leave Turkey and stay in Europe despite having a “huge” salary offer from Qatar, with a return to the Premier League on the cards.
According to a report from Fotomac (12 June) Nottingham Forest opened the bidding with a £2.1m offer which was turned down, and Besiktas have now set his asking price at £3.4m for the veteran to be allowed to go.
“The 33-year-old player, who has a contract with the club for one more year, said, “I want to leave the team. I expect you to facilitate me in this matter”; It was learned that the staff of Beşiktaş gave the answer, “If you want to leave, you must bring the number we have determined,” they wrote.
“Upon this development, Nottingham Forest, which knocked on Beşiktaş’s door with a proposal of 2.5 million Euros during the interim transfer period , came to the table once again.
“While Kartal requested 4 million Euros from the English club, the negotiations between the two sides gained momentum. It is considered certain that the experienced player will leave the team in the summer.”
Bargain
Saiss was a key part of the Wolves team under Nuno Espirito Santo not long ago, and he shone during the most recent World Cup in Qatar for the national team.
At 33 he is probably past his best at this point, but with Conor Coady and Yerry Mina leaving the club plus the futures of Jarrad Branthwaite, Ben Godfrey and Mason Holgate being up in the air, he could be a great coup.
Saiss is capable of playing in midfield, a back four or a back three and brings leadership and experience to a team that has been lacking in that for a while now.
At £3.4m he is a real bargain in today’s market, but it seems that the club will need to start moving quickly with Nottingham Forest already making a bid and looking to get ahead in the race.
Dyche wants to bolster the Everton squad to avoid a relegation battle next year, and Saiss would be a solid addition.