Besiktas director hits out at Wout Weghorst to Manchester United rumours

Besiktas sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci has criticised speculation that Wout Weghorst could complete a loan move to Manchester United.

The Red Devils are on the lookout for a new striker to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club in unceremonious circumstances in November.

A recent report claimed that United have identified Weghorst as a possible option to strengthen their forward line.

The Dutchman is currently on loan at Turkish giants Besiktas from Championship side Burnley, and he has managed to score nine goals and provide four assists in 18 competitive appearances this season.

With United interested in taking Weghorst on loan, the 6'5" striker seemed to bid farewell to the Besiktas fans in Saturday's 2-1 win over Kasimpasa.

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Weghorst scored Besiktas' second goal and during his emotional celebration, he appeared to mouth "bye bye" and kissed the badge on his shirt.

However, the club's sporting director has questioned Weghorst actions and slammed reports that he is on the verge of joining the 20-time English champions.

As quoted by Fanatik, Ceyhun Kazanci said: "I don't understand why Weghorst said goodbye to the fans, why he made such a move. He is our football player right now. Our contract expires at the end of the season.

"If Manchester United or any other team wants Weghorst, 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.

"I'll give an example. Burnley told us, 'We made a deal with this team for Weghorst. We give you half of the transfer fee.' This may be a different condition. Then we'll sit down and talk."

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While Weghorst only found the net on two occasions in 20 appearances for Burnley, he racked up 70 goals across 144 games during his time with Wolfsburg.

The forward was also included in the Netherlands' squad for the 2022 World Cup, where he came off the bench to score a brace in an eventual penalty-shootout defeat to Argentina in the quarter-finals.

Erik ten Hag is believed to be keen to sign his countryman, as he feels that he will add some much-needed physicality and aggression to the United squad.

As well as providing a physical presence to the forward line, according to The Athletic, Weghorst has also impressed the Red Devils with his attitude.

The 30-year-old is credited with a desire to be among the fittest players in the squad and a willingness to always improve.

United have also been linked with Vincent Aboubakar, Memphis Depay and Joao Felix as potential targets for the current transfer window.