The Express & Star reports that Walsall playmaker Erhun Oztumer is not about to sign for a Championship club, despite media reports. It was believed that Nottingham Forest, Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers and Bristol City were lining up moves for the former Peterborough United man.
Although none of these four clubs are said to be making an official move for Oztumer any time soon, his future is still in the balance. Saddlers boss Jon Whitney recently revealed how the player has failed to sign a new deal, which has one-year to run. The question is to they cash in now, or wait until next summer and risk losing him for nothing.
Since making the move to the Banks’s Stadium at the start of the season, the 25-year-old Turkish midfielder has quickly established himself as a key player at Walsall. He played 45 times, scoring 15 goals in their campaign which has just finished, which saw them finish in 14th position.
Sheffield United wish to make Jay O’Shea’s loan deal permanent, meaning there probably is no need for Oztumer at Bramall Lane. Nottingham Forest aren’t believed to be keen on signing a player within this position either. Bolton are still under a transfer embargo, whilst Bristol City’s intended interest in the player was merely speculation.
Oztumer has been offered an improved deal to extend his stay at the club to something more long-term. However the fact he hasn’t signed it at this stage does place some doubt as to where he’ll be playing this time next year, or indeed the following season.
