Besiktas midfielder scouted by Manchester United

With seven matches left to play, Michael Carrick’s Manchester United looked primed to finish inside the top three of the Premier League this season.

That, of course, is not guaranteed at the time of writing but Chelsea, Liverpool and Aston Villa – their three nearest challengers – are all struggling to perform.

After replacing Ruben Amorim at the helm, former midfielder Carrick has worked wonders during his interim spell but whether the 44-year-old will be appointed on a full-time basis remains to be seen.

It would be a wise decision in the sense that he is in tune with the goings-on at Old Trafford but a trophy-obssessed manager like Luis Enrique could revolutionise the club.

At the end of the day, though, Carrick will be thanked for his efforts and that will especially be the case if he manages to get them back into Europe.

Irrespective of whether they secure Champions League football for 2026/27 or not, it’s abundantly clear that midfield additions are needed.

Casemiro’s experience will be a big miss in the middle of the park next term and Kobbie Mainoo – who is close to signing a new deal – will need a long-term partner.

Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes, both of Newcastle United, are among the names on the radar of Manchester United higher-ups – but both would cost a pretty penny.

A cheaper alternative would be Besiktas’ Orkun Kokcu, who is currently on loan from Benfica but will join the Turkish giants permanently in the summer.

According to Turkish outlet Fanatik, Old Trafford scouts were in attendance to watch the 25-year-old in action during Besiktas’ 2-1 win over Kasimpasa.

Figures from Tottenham Hotspur were also there to watch the Turkish midfielder strut his stuff in the middle of the park, while the report also states that Serie A outfit Inter Milan are also interested.

Given that is still just 25 years of age, Inter reportedly view Orkun Kokcu as a long-term option in their midfield ranks.

But the prospect of playing for United – who are one of the biggest clubs in world football – could entice him to make the jump to England instead.

A stumbling block could come in the form of Besiktas’ stance. After he arrives permanently at the end of the season, the club will not be accepting any offers under €50 million because of his importance.

In 2025/26 alone, he’s chalked up 15 goal involvements (seven goals and eight assists) in all competitions, proving he can be effective in the final third.

What is most attractive about the Feyenoord youth product is that he is an all-rounder in the middle: he can play in tight spaces, provide a layer of leadership and his passing is second to none.

Although he won’t be nearing the top of Manchester United’s summer shortlist, he is still a decent option and would cost much less than the likes of Guimaraes and Tonali.