Orkun Kokcu talks with Besiktas confirmed as player's father reiterates midfielder's desire to join Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side

Kokcu's desire to leave Lisbon has caught the attention of many after his public fallout with head coach Bruno Lage in the Club World Cup. However, there are many reasons behind the Turkish midfielder's decision to call for an exit, stemming from experiencing cultural shock in Portugal to not performing as expected in the league. His father further explains why his son wants to play under manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and is prioritising a move to Besiktas.

Kokcu and his family are big Besiktas supporters. The Turkey midfielder was also in talks with Besiktas' previous owners during his time at Feyenoord but a move couldn't be facilitated. His father, Halis, has known about his son's desire to play for the Turkish club but will let the two clubs work on a deal. However, Halis stresses that a clear answer from Besiktas is still needed as the midfielder is also on the radar of other clubs.

Halis told A Bola: "My son has always been open about Besiktas. He made clear statements about the club, speaking from the heart. He's currently under contract with Benfica. Anyone interested will have to pay Benfica, who paid €29.7 million to Feyenoord to buy him. They don't want to lose money either. Benfica will decide. I won't interfere in the deal."

He further stresses on why Besiktas needs to show their interest stating: "We've shown our closeness to Besiktas in the past. It's a matter of supply and demand. In the past, my son has left messages expressing his desire to play for Besiktas. Of course, we'd be happy if that happened now. But we need to reach an agreement, especially since there are other suitors."

Besiktas president Serdal Adali was in Portugal to personally talk to the Benfica camp to expedite the move, knowing Kokcu wants to join the club as soon as possible. Benfica have also shown interest in parting ways with the midfielder after his performances haven't been to their liking and are looking for €30m (£26m/$35m) to conclude a deal.