Wout Weghorst‘s absence from Besiktas training has been explained as the Burnley striker’s loan move to Manchester United draws closer.
Sky Sports report that the Red Devils have a “deal in principle in place” with the Clarets to sign the marksman on loan for the remainder of the 2022-23 campaign.
The 30-year-old is currently in the midst of a season-long loan at Besiktas from the Turf Moor outfit.
Erik ten Hag’s side are still waiting for an agreement to be reached between Burnley and Besiktas for the termination of Weghorst’s loan move with the Turkish giants before his temporary switch to Old Trafford can be agreed.
However, Fabrizio Romano reports there is a ‘full verbal agreement’ with Burnley and Besiktas, with a loan fee set to cost United £2.5 million.
Wout Weghorst’s absence from Besiktas training explained as Manchester United move draws closer
It seems that Weghorst is doing all he can to secure a move to the Theatre of Dreams, and he’s missed Besiktas’ latest training session according to reports.
NTV Spor report: “The Dutch striker, who went to Nevzat Demir Facilities, did individual training citing his pain and did not go to field training.”
Besiktas aren’t willing to sanction the termination of Weghorst’s loan deal until they have a replacement lined up.
Cameroon international Vincent Aboubakar looks to be the man the Black and White are chasing, but Aboubakar’s availability depends on whether he will be released by Cristiano Ronaldo’s new club Al Nassr.
But NTV Sport add: “Besiktas management’s talks with the Cameroon striker are also progressing positively.”
Weghorst has nine goals in 18 games for Besiktas this season and he scored twice in the Netherlands’ World Cup quarter-final defeat to eventual winners Argentina.
United must register Weghorst by 12pm on Friday for him to be available for the Manchester derby on Saturday.
The 19-time Netherlands international scored two Premier League goals in 20 appearances for Burnley during the second half of last season following his arrival from Bundesliga side Wolfsburg last January.
But after the Clarets suffered relegation to the Championship, Weghorst pushed for a move.
With United having limited funds this month after a record outlay on new signings in the summer, Ten Hag has been forced to explore the loan market to bolster his forward line following Ronaldo’s departure in November.
Following United’s 3-0 Carabao Cup quarter-final win against Charlton Athletic last night, Ten Hag gave little away when asked by reporters for an update on the pursuit of Weghorst.
The 52-year-old responded when asked about his compatriot: “No, unfortunately I can’t.”