Manchester United have held exploratory talks with Burnley over a potential loan move for Wout Weghorst.
It is understood that United have made an enquiry to the Lancashire club that could see the 30-year-old move to Old Trafford during the January transfer window.
Weghorst has been on loan from Burnley at Turkish side Besiktas since the start of the season and there was an expectation from the Super Lig club that he would see out the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign with them.
Besiktas have an option to buy Weghorst for €10million at the end of the season. Therefore, any potential new move for him would need their approval to break the current agreement.
United see Weghorst as an option to fill a void in the striker position, with the club deciding to only pursue loan deals during this window. It is thought that no permanent options are being assessed, even at low-cost.
Erik ten Hag is believed to be a fan of Weghorst, with the striker’s personality particularly appealing to United’s manager. He recently got himself into a spat with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi at the World Cup, with the latter appearing furious with the situation during a post-match interview.
Weghorst played for the Netherlands during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and scored two goals during his nation’s quarter-final encounter with champions Argentina.
This season, Weghorst has played 17 times for Besiktas, scoring eight goals and contributing four assists in that period.
Weghorst played in the Premier League for Burnley when they were relegated from England’s top flight last season. He scored two league goals in 20 appearances.
United are understood to be looking at several striker options, including Barcelona’s Memphis Depay. However, any move for the 28-year-old would have to be a loan. Al Nassr’s Vincent Aboubakar is not among the centre-forwards being pursued.
United are next in action on Tuesday when they play Charlton Athletic in the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup.
GO DEEPER
Wout Weghorst: Pressing monster
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