Man Utd ‘closing in’ on shock loan move for World Cup star

Manchester United look set to secure a shock loan deal for Burnley’s Wout Weghorst, according to The Mirror. The 30-year old is currently on loan at Besiktas.

Weghorst joined the Clarets from Wolfsburg for £12 million last January in a bid to help the club avoid relegation, however the striker disappointed in the Premier League as he managed only two goals as they dropped down to the Championship for the first time in six years.

Weghorst went onto join Besiktas on loan in the summer and has since enjoyed a much more impressive campaign, claiming 12 goal contributions in 16 matches in the Super Lig and also attracting attention with his superb cameo during the World Cup as he netted a late brace to take Argentina to penalties in the quarter-finals.

Despite the forward’s displays in Turkey and Qatar, the potential move to Old Trafford comes as a huge shock. Reports claim that Erik ten Hag is desperate to bolster his attack following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, however the lack of funds provided to fund a new striker has left the Red Devils boss turning to his fellow Dutchman.

The Athletic have reported that Besiktas have the option to make Weghorst’s loan move permanent in the summer and so any switch to United would need their permission, however the Burnley star was spotted waving goodbye to Besiktas fans following their win over Kasimpasa yesterday which may confirm that the club have agreed to his early departure.

United have been left light up top this season and are currently relying on Anthony Martial in the number nine role, though it seems unlikely that Weghorst’s arrival will provide too much competition for the Frenchman. The 30-year-old’s underwhelming arrival may remind fans of the signing of Odion Ighalo three years ago. The former Watford striker joined on loan from Shanghai Shenhua and scored twice in 30 appearances in all competitions.