Besiktas will allow Wout Weghorst to sign for Manchester United if they can source a replacement striker and receive compensation, it has been revealed.
Weghorst, 30, has emerged as a surprise transfer target for Erik ten Hag, who is desperate to sign a new forward this month after losing the services of Cristiano Ronaldo. Despite his underwhelming stint at Burnley last year, Weghorst caught the eye at the World Cup for the Netherlands and fits the bill for United, who are unable to splash the cash in January after spending in excess of £200m back in the summer.
However, any deal is far from straightforward: Weghorst is in the middle of a season-long loan at Besiktas and the Turkish giants are reluctant to lose him.
Discussions are ongoing between all parties in a bid to try and find a resolution, with Turkish outlet TRT Sport claiming that Weghorst's agent, Simon Cziommer, met with the Besiktas hierarchy early on Monday.
His client is eager to cut his spell in Turkey short in order to move to Old Trafford, however, Besiktas are unwilling to sanction his exit without lining up an adequate replacement. The 16-time Turkish Super Lig champions would also demand compensation to allow Weghorst to return to England.
Weghorst struggled to make an impression after joining Burnley last January and scored just twice as the Clarets dropped out of the Premier League. He has been far more effective since moving overseas and has netted 10 times in 21 outings for Besiktas.
The striker fuelled speculation that he could be on the move when he appeared to wave goodbye to Besiktas fans after scoring in their win over Kasimpasa on Saturday.
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Besiktas sporting director Ceyhun Kazanci was less than enthused by Weghorst's actions on Saturday and outlined that the club would not play ball over the on-loan Burnley striker unless they themselves stood to profit from any move.
Kazanci is quoted by Fanatik as saying: "I don't understand why Weghorst said goodbye to the fans, why he made such a move. He is our football player right now. Our contract expires at the end of the season.
"If Manchester United or any other team wants Weghorst, they will meet with Burnley anyway. Burnley will then contact us and discuss the terms of separation. If we accept, the contract will be terminated. Otherwise, it will go on until the end of the season. He can’t just go. There will have to be a reward for us to approve the separation.
"I'll give an example. Burnley told us, 'We made a deal with this team for Weghorst. We give you half of the transfer fee.' This may be a different condition. Then we'll sit down and talk."
