Manchester United 'reach agreement over Wout Weghorst loan deal'

Manchester United have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Wout Weghorst on loan.

The Netherlands international, who is currently on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, has scored eight goals and provided four assists in 18 appearances this season, while he also netted a brace in his country's 2022 World Cup quarter-final against Argentina.

Weghorst recently emerged as a leading target for United, who are looking to strengthen their forward line after Cristiano Ronaldo's contract was terminated in November.

Although he appeared to bid farewell to the Besiktas supporters following his goal in Saturday's win over Kasimpasa, the club's sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci questioned the forward's actions and played down reports of a possible exit.

The Turkish club also released a statement rubbishing rumours that Weghorst could be set for an imminent departure.

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However, a recent report claimed that talks were still ongoing between the Red Devils and the player's parent club.

According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, United have reached a full and verbal agreement with Burnley to sign Weghorst on a loan deal.

The report claims that around €3m (£2.65m) will be paid to Besiktas to compensate them for Weghorst's loan being cut short.

There is still work to do, though, with the Turkish giants only prepared to agree to the deal if they can sign an adequate replacement.

If the Dutchman does complete his loan switch to Old Trafford, he will strengthen Erik ten Hag's centre-forward options, which currently include Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford.

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The United boss is allegedly keen to recruit his fellow countryman as he believes that he will bring physicality and aggression to the squad.

Weghorst failed to make a significant impression during his 20 appearances for Burnley, scoring two goals and contributing three assists.

However, prior to joining the current Championship leaders, Weghorst racked up 70 goals and registered 22 assists across 144 games for Wolfsburg in all competitions.

While the 30-year-old is seen as a short-term solution, United are expected to sign a new forward next summer, and Tottenham Hotspur captain Harry Kane has supposedly been included on a three-man shortlist.

United booked their place in the EFL Cup semi-finals with a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic, and they will now prepare for Saturday's derby against their local rivals Manchester City.