Wout Weghorst ‘set for Man Utd medical’ with hopes of playing vs Man City, plus Fabrizio Romano update

Wout Weghorst looks set to become a Manchester United player, joining on loan from Burnley until the end of the season.

It’s been widely reported that the Dutch international is top of Erik ten Hag’s shopping list in January, with the United manager openly admitting all month that he would like to recruit a new centre-forward. Weghorst has spent the first half of the season on loan at Besiktas, but it’s been reported in the Manchester Evening News (MEN) that a fee of £2.5m has been agreed between the clubs which will allow the striker to complete a short-term move to Old Trafford.

The outlet add Weghorst will undergo a medical on Thursday and claim United are hopeful of registering the 30-year-old in time for Saturday’s clash with Manchester City. Weghorst will need to be registered as a Premier League player by 12pm on Friday if he’s to be eligible to play in the Manchester derby. The MEN also reports that the paperwork is still to be completed between Burnley and United.

Meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has given the transfer his ‘here we go’ confirmation. In a tweet on Thursday, he added: “Understand Weghorst will fly to Manchester today to undergo medical tests and then sign contracts.”

Weghorst’s arrival will boost United’s options up front following the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in November, leaving Anthony Martial as the club’s only recognised centre-forward. Anthony Elanga and Marcus Rashford both deputised in that role during the midweek Carabao Cup win over Charlton Athletic, but with the Red Devils now the only side in England still fighting in four competitions, having strength in depth will be key during the second half of the season.