Besiktas plot last minute move for Stephan El Shaarawy

Besiktas have opened talks with AS Roma forward Stephan El Shaarawy over a possible last-minute move, according to TuttoMercatoWeb.

The Italian only rejoined the Giallorossi in January 2021 on a free transfer, but his short-term deal with the club expires at the end of the season.

There are currently no talks of a contract extension between Roma and El Shaarawy. However, the player reportedly wants to remain at the Stadio Olimpico until the summer when he will become a free agent.

Besiktas have opened talks with the player’s representatives to try and convince them to accept a mid-season move to the Turkish top flight.

The Turkish transfer window was originally scheduled to close on February 8, but FIFA granted a 10-day extension following the disastrous earthquakes that struck the country earlier this month.

El Shaarawy has contributed three goals to Jose Mourinho’s side despite starting just five of his 16 Serie A appearances this season.

The 30-year-old has made 22 appearances across all competitions, having started four of his six games in the Coppa Italia and Europa League.

Roma have already seen one player move to the Turkish top flight after wantaway forward Nicolo Zaniolo joined Galatasaray.

It is unclear if they will sanction a move for El Shaarawy as they are currently one player short in attack.

Galatasaray parted with €16.5 million for Zaniolo’s services, with the winger signing a four-year deal that will see him earn €3.5m per season at the Nef Stadium.

Roma could end up earning €29.5m from the deal as another €13m would be paid in add-ons if certain conditions are met.