Sunderland are searching for attacking reinforcements, but judging by the latest comments from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, one Besiktas star is off the table.
There have been very few confirmed Sunderland transfers to discuss this month, with Enzo Le Fee the only player to arrive at the Stadium of Light so far.
Sunderland are thought to be looking for a striker as the next priority for Regis Le Bris, but finding a suitable option is proving harder than anticipated.
And, if the Black Cats were interested in one Turkish talent before, they may have to reconsider, as his current manager has played up how important he is to his club’s plans.
- READ MORE: Sunderland confirm third exit of January transfer window as Regis Le Bris outcast finally leaves
Besiktas won’t let Semih Kilicsoy go this month
Reports out of Turkey (via Inside Futbol and Gokmen Ozcan) have suggested Sunderland are looking at putting together a loan-to-buy package for Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy this month.
The Black Cats are thought to face competition from Ajax for the 19-year-old attacker, who would be valued at around €20m (£16.8m).
However, the latest comments from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer suggest the Besiktas manager has no plans to let the striker go in January.
He said: “Semih is a top-level centre forward. Ciro [Immobile] was injured before Christmas, so we have to be careful.”
- READ MORE: Sunderland youngster secures short-term future after impressive FA Cup heroics, he’s staying away
Who else can Sunderland turn to for attacking reinforcements?
Sunderland have been linked with a number of forwards already this month, and though they missed out on Tom Cannon to Sheffield United, there are lots of options still out there.
Matija Frigan is a name that has been mentioned time and time again in conjunction with Sunderland. The Croatian would carry a similar fee and loan package to Kilicsoy, with an obligation coming in if the Black Cats were to be promoted.
Meanwhile, we believe Sunderland should look at Will Lankshear at Spurs, or reignite their pursuit of Louie Barry, who is thought to be heading back out on loan this month after a successful spell with Stockport County in the first half of the season.