09 January 2023 , 09:32
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Former Burnley striker Wout Weghorst has emerged as a shock transfer target for Manchester United as Erik ten Hag continues his search for attacking reinforcements.
The Dutchman is light on striking options after Cristiano Ronaldo's exit but will have to get creative to replace the Portuguese superstar this month after United splashed out in excess of £200million on new players back in the summer.
Weghorst, who is currently in the middle of a season-long loan at Besiktas, would provide a temporary solution if United can come to an agreement with Burnley to bring the 30-year-old to Old Trafford for the remainder of the season.
Weghorst, who only moved to Turf Moor in a £12m switch from Wolfsburg 12 months ago, was farmed out on loan to Turkey following the Clarets' relegation last term. And while the Dutch striker may be viewed by some as an unusual target, he was given a glowing endorsement by United's former interim chief Ralf Rangnick last season.
Rangnick, who was aware of Weghorst from his time in Germany, even likened the striker to Liverpool icon Ian Rush and claimed that he was "one of the best possible signings" for Burnley, who were seeking to replace talisman Chris Wood at the time.
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Speaking back in February, Rangnick told Manchester United's official website: "He [Weghorst] looks with his size, a little bit like Ian Rush, for example, but he’s a very technical player. Due to his size, he is also physically present but he’s not that much of a physical target striker. He is more of a technical player.
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Wout Weghorst is believed to be closing in on a surprise move to Manchester United (ANP via Getty Images)"Also, he had good times at Wolfsburg when Oliver Glasner was head coach, he did extremely well and scored quite a few goals. I thought he was a good signing and one of the best possible signings to replace [Chris] Wood."
Although Weghorst was talked up by Rangnick, he failed to live up to expectations during his short stint in the Premier League and only scored twice for Burnley as they dropped into the second tier.
Weghorst did, however, catch the eye at the World Cup after netting twice in the Netherlands' quarter-final defeat against Argentina and has also plundered 10 goals in 21 outings for Besiktas this term.
Ralf Rangnick praised Weghorst during his stint at Old Trafford (Getty Images)The Turkish giants have the option to purchase Weghorst for €10million (£8.8m) at the end of the season - if they manage to fend off United's interest this month.
Besiktas sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci has insisted that, until they are told otherwise, Weghorst remains their player and they would need to be compensated for that to change.
Kazanci is quoted by Fanatik as saying: "He [Weghorst] is our football player right now. Our contract expires at the end of the season.
"If Manchester United or any other team wants Wegnorst, they will meet with Burnley anyway. Burnley will then contact us and discuss the terms of separation. If we accept, the contract will be terminated. Otherwise, it will go on until the end of the season. He can’t just go. There will have to be a reward for us to approve the separation."