Manchester United are in talks with Burnley over a loan move for LWOT Wieghurst

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Manchester United have held exploratory talks with Burnley over a possible loan transfer for Wout Weghorst.

It is understood United have made an inquiry to the Lancashire club that could see the 30-year-old moving to Old Trafford during the January transfer window.

Wighurst had been on loan from Burnley in Turkey’s Besiktas since the start of the season and there was expectation from the Super League club that he would see out the remainder of the 2022-23 season with them.

Besiktas has an option to buy Weghorst for €10m at the end of the season. Therefore, any possible new move for him would need their approval to breach the existing agreement.

United see Weghorst as an option to fill a void in the striker position, with the club deciding to pursue loan deals only during this window. It is believed that there are no permanent options under evaluation, even at a low cost.

Erik ten Hag is believed to be a Wighurst fan, with the striker’s personality particularly appealing to the United manager. He recently had a falling out with seven-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi at the World Cup, with the latter appearing exasperated by the situation during a post-match interview.

Weghorst played for the Netherlands during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and scored two goals during the quarter-final match against his country, Argentina.

This season, Weghorst has played 17 matches for Beşiktaş, scoring eight goals and contributing four assists in that period.

Weghorst played in the English Premier League with Burnley when they were relegated from the Premier League last season. Scored two league goals in 20 matches.

It is understood United are looking at several striker options, including Barcelona’s Memphis Depay. However, any transfer for the 28-year-old would have to be considered a loan. Vincent Abu Bakr, Al Nasr player, is not among the attackers being pursued.

United are next in action on Tuesday when they face Charlton Athletic in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

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(Photo: Getty Images)

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