07 January 2023 , 20:42
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Manchester United are closing in on a shock loan move for Burnley flop Wout Weghorst.
Reds’ boss Erik ten Hag has been exploring the possibility of bringing the 30-year-old Dutchman after being told there is no money to sign the new forward he craves. Weghorst, who at 6ft 5ins will give United a serious attacking threat in the air, left Turf Moor in the summer to sign for Besiktas for the season after suffering relegation with the Clarets following his £12 million arrival from Wolfsburg last January.
He scored just twice as Burnley lost their place in the Premier League - but has struck 10 goals for Besiktas and Holland this season - including the dramatic double in his country’s World Cup quarter-final clash with eventual champions Argentina. Weghorst was also involved in a bust-up with Lionel Messi after the Argentines prevailed on penalties.
And Ten Hag believes he can bring some much needed physicality and natural aggression to an attack that needs to be bolstered following Ronaldo’s departure.
United have been in talks with both Burnley and Besiktas about the possibility of him returning to the Premier League.
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And Weghorst’s confidence that the deal is almost done prompted him to wave goodbye to the Turkish club’s fans after he scored in their 2-1 home win over Kasimpasa on Saturday.
Weghorst celebrates scoring in the World Cup quarter-final (FIFA via Getty Images)Ten Hag is desperate to add more firepower to his team with United still involved in the fight for a top-four finish and three cup competitions.
He thought he had a deal in place to sign PSV Eindhoven’s Cody Gakpo only for Liverpool to hijack the deal when Old Trafford bosses told him there was no more money for transfers following a £220million summer spend.
The 30-year-old striker had bagged 10 goals in 21 outings for Besiktas this term.