Manchester United are exploring a shock deal for Burnley striker Wout Weghorst as Erik ten Hag chases a new centre forward.
That’s according to multiple reports tonight as Weghorst to United suddenly becomes a real possibility.
Foot Mercato in France were the first on the case, reporting that United were close to signing Weghorst with a deal ‘almost complete’.
The Athletic add that exploratory talks have been held but United face a tricky deal.
Weghorst is on loan at Besiktas, who have a €10million (£8.8million) option to buy on the Dutch striker.
That means any loan to United would need Burnley and Besiktas to agree on scrapping his time in Turkey, which isn’t easy.
Fabrizio Romano adds that Weghorst has already indicated that he wants the move to happen this month.
Wout Weghorst to Manchester United looks bizarre but make some sense
United are obviously looking for a new striker after tearing up Cristiano Ronaldo’s contract.
We’re expecting United to splash the cash in the summer but United may now look for a short-term stop-gap.
Weghorst may sound like a bonkers suggestion, especially after struggling at Burnley in the second half of last season.
However, Ten Hag is understood to be a big fan of his fellow Dutchman and the character he can provide.
Additionally, it’s worth remembering how Ten Hag has fared with a giant target man in the past.
Sebastien Haller was a goal machine at Utrecht and Ajax under Ten Hag and the United boss may feel that he can get a similar tune out of Weghorst.
30-year-old Weghorst poses a massive aerial threat at 6ft 6in tall and has been in great form this season with eight goals in 17 games for Besiktas.
Add in his World Cup impact against Argentina and Weghorst does have quality, he just needs somebody to unlock it.
Ten Hag may believe that he is the man to get Weghorst firing in the Premier League, even if it’s only for a few months.
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