Everton and Liverpool reportedly to tussle for the signature of the new Mesut Ozil

Anfield

According to Turkish-Football, Liverpool and Everton scouts were present at Trabzonspor’s opening game of the Super League on Sunday to watch midfielder Yusuf Yazici.

The 20-year-old Turkey international became a key part of Trabzonspor’s starting XI last season, and his performances, which included 6 goals and 10 assists in 22 games made the club hand him a new five-year contract in March.

Yazici has also once been scouted by Manchester United and PSV, but it’s the Merseysiders that are actively in his pursuit at the moment.

Both Everton and Liverpool are in need of a playmaker to boost their squad depths, with the latter at the risk of losing Philippe Coutinho this transfer window.

The Toffees are set to be without the services of Gareth Barry who just completed a move to West Brom, and it seems there will be a big battle between the bitter neighbours for Yazici’s signature.

The Turkish prodigy, who has similar playing style with Mesut Ozil is adept in playing crosses, taking set-pieces, long shots and key passes. He is also an excellent finisher in the final third, while his ability to retain possession makes him a defensively-sound contributor.

Trabzonspor, though, aren’t keen to let him go, with the club’s chairman Muharrem Usta declaring: “I want to see Yusuf here for our 50th year anniversary squad. He will be sold when the time is right, Yusuf will be an ambassador for the club and reach the highest level.”

So it remains to be seen how Everton and Liverpool will be able to get hands on their man.

However, nothing can be ruled out as far as transfers go, and a deal for the Turkish international isn’t out of the reach of the Merseysiders.