Manchester United report: Attacking target takes extraordinary step to force through move

Wout Weghorst
Wout Wegorst celebrates with Besiktas fans after scoring against Kasimpasa ahead of a possible loan move to Manchester United. (Image credit: Getty Images)

Manchester United target Wout Weghorst is willing to force through a move to Old Trafford this month, according to reports.

The Red Devils are keen to bolster their attacking ranks in January after Cristiano Ronaldo departed the club by mutual consent in November.

United are short of options at the top of the pitch, with Anthony Martial and Marcus Rashford their only two recognised centre-forwards - and the latter is currently thriving in a wider role.

Erik ten Hag

Erik ten Hag wants to bolster his squad in the January transfer window (Image credit: Getty)

Weghorst has emerged as a left-field target for Erik ten Hag's side, who are looking to bring in another body as soon as possible.

The Netherlands international joined Burnley 12 months ago but was unable to help keep the Clarets in the Premier League.

He moved on loan to Turkish outfit Besiktas last summer but is now attempting to force his way out of Vodafone Park.

In order to join United, Weghorst would need to cut short his loan deal to Besiktas before its expiry.

The Turkish side would therefore be owed compensation, which Weghorst is willing to pay out of his own pocket in his desperation to seal a switch to Old Trafford.

Cristiano Ronaldo in action for Manchester United against Rayo Vallecano in pre-season.

Cristiano Ronaldo left Manchester United by mutual consent in November (Image credit: Getty Images)

That is according to Turkish transfer insider Gokhan Dinc, who adds that Besiktas are expected to announce Weghorst's departure imminently.

United will return to action in the EFL Cup on Tuesday, with League One side Charlton the visitors to Manchester in the quarter-finals.

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Meanwhile, Erik ten Hag has made winning trophies with his 'professional New Year's resolution' for 2023; United haven't claimed any silverware since the League Cup and Europa League under Jose Mourinho some six years ago.

United are considering a swoop for Mohammed Kudus, who starred for Ghana at World Cup 2022.

And Harry Maguire has laughed off talk that he could join Aston Villa, but Tottenham are interested in the England international.

Greg Lea

Greg Lea is a freelance football journalist who's filled in wherever FourFourTwo needs him since 2014. He became a Crystal Palace fan after watching a 1-0 loss to Port Vale in 1998, and once got on the scoresheet in a primary school game against Wilfried Zaha's Whitehorse Manor (an own goal in an 8-0 defeat).