The transfer window is heating up at Manchester United as the deadline day inches closer, with multiple incoming and outgoings expected.
Amidst the anticipated chaos, United might just have received a boost as Hannibal Mejbri has become the subject of interest from Burnley.
United probably didn’t have Mejbri high on the list of players they would expect to find many lucrative sellers for so this is an unexpected boost.
The player looks completely out of plans at United so far therefore, a deal is expected to go through if a suitable offer is made.
Burnley in for Hannibal Mejbri
The Athletic reports that Burnley are interested in signing Hannibal Mejbri, with both, a loan with an obligation to buy or a permanent deal on the table.
The Frenchman joined United in 2019 but after successive loans, has failed to establish himself at the club.
After a pre-season which didn’t yield many appearances, he was on the list of players on the chopping block at the club.
He has previously been of interest to Rangers but that deal hasn’t developed since being first reported, while Burnley links are new.
Notably, Mejbri impressed with Birmingham in the Championship before his ill-advised loan to Sevilla so he’s a proven Championship player.
He arrived in 2019 as a highly-rated player from Monaco but the introduction of Bruno Fernandes to the team ended any chance for his breakthrough.
Man United should pounce on it
If Burnley make an offer anywhere close to United’s demands, it is something the club should pounce at instead of playing hardball.
The Frenchman is clearly not in Erik ten Hag’s plans and his own performances have done nothing to suggest that he should be.
Furthermore, his contract at Old Trafford expires next year so his value is at an all-time low. Ideally, if United didn’t have a plan for him, they should have sold him after his successful Birmingham spell.
However, the previous ownership regime dithered and it has left United in a position where they will need to take a loss on him.
Still, with amortisation, they might be able to turn a small profit. Moreover, a potential sell-on clause in exchange for a low amount upfront could be crucial if he develops with them.
Scott Parker, Burnley manager, likes to play with the ball so Mejbri’s gifts should come to the surface with consistent playing time.
It is the right time to part ways and United generally don’t stand in the way of players who don’t have a future at the club.
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