Manchester United are closing in on a move for Netherlands international forward Wout Weghorst, with The Guardian reporting a ‘verbal agreement’ is in place.
Weghorst has emerged as United’s top striker target, with the forward set to sign on loan for the rest of the season.
Dutch website Trouw report: “His transfer to Manchester United is practically complete.”
No announcement has yet been made by United, current loan side Besiktas, or parent club Burnley.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfers in, out, loan deals for January 2023
Louis van Gaal is a fan
There has been a very split reaction in the Netherlands to Manchester United’s upcoming move for the 6ft 6″ striker.
Both Wesley Sneijder and Marco van Basten have questioned the move, but former United assistant Rene Meulensteen believes it is a shrewd deal.
And the Dutchman that really matters is Erik ten Hag, who is looking to sign the player he once faced while manager of Utrecht.
Another former United boss, Louis van Gaal, is also a big believer in Weghorst, utilising him at the World Cup and in the UEFA Nations League.
The report from Trouw states: “Coaches, including Louis van Gaal, love him because of his unlimited fanaticism, also during training sessions.”
Erik ten Hag certainly values players with a high work rate, and Weghorst fits the bill.
The report adds: “Weghorst will drag, run, pound and – if necessary – get the blood from under the nails of opponents with every raid.”
Even if Weghorst ends up playing a ‘super-sub’ role late in games, he will be a valuable option for Manchester United in attack, especially with a packed fixtures schedule upcoming, including a two-legged Carabao Cup semi-final.
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