Besiktas are preparing to make a move for Sheffield United forward Lys Mousset in the January transfer window, according to reports in the Turkish media.

The cash-strapped Super Lig club are believed to be keen on taking advantage of the Frenchman’s contract situation, whose current deal at Bramall Lane expires at the end of the season.

Rather than agreeing a pre-contract agreement with Mousset, though, Besiktas are said to be willing to make a cash offer in the New Year, as they need to strengthen their options up front for the second half of the campaign.

Although the Blades are expected to be open to a sale, considering the Championship side are in danger of losing him on a free transfer, they are likely to make a significant loss on the £10m they paid Bournemouth for the striker two and a half years ago.

Mousset hasn’t been in bad form this season, having scored three goals in seven appearances, but manager Slavisa Jokanovic has not always been happy with the player’s fitness and work ethic, so a departure in January may be good for both parties.