Manchester United target Wout Weghorst looks to have handed Chelsea a huge boost in the race to sign Borussia Monchengladbach star Marcus Thuram. The 25-year-old striker has been heavily linked with a move to the Premier League lately amid an increasingly uncertain future in the Bundesliga.
Thuram sees his contract with the German outfit expire at the end of the season and, with the Frenchman unwilling to pen an extension, he's set to be available for a cut-price fee this month. His impressive displays for club and country have courted great interest in his services with Arsenal and United among 'many top clubs' rivalling the Blues for his signature.
However, the Red Devils are said to be monitoring another striker in Europe - Burnley talisman Weghorst, who is currently on loan at Besiktas. The Netherlands international has emerged as a surprise target for United as Erik ten Hag looks to replace Cristiano Ronaldo.
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According to the BBC, there is no break clause in Weghorst's loan from Burnley, so talks involve all three clubs. The 30-year-old scored for the Turkish giants on Saturday in a 2-1 win over Kasimpasa.
After finding the net, Weghorst appeared to bid farewell to the Besiktas fans. He kissed the Besiktas badge, made a heart symbol with his hands and affectionately reached out to the supporters, gesturing that he's sorry.
Weghorst also appeared to say 'bye bye' to the celebrating Besiktas contingent, suggesting that a move to Old Trafford is in full swing and, therefore, potentially taking out one of Chelsea's rivals in the race for Thuram.
According to Fabrizio Romano, the Blues have 'opened talks' to explore a January deal for the Bundesliga striker, who would be available via a free transfer in the summer if he were to not pen an extension at Borussia-Park. It's said that the France international will take his time and 'consider all the options'.
With a bargain on the cards, Romano adds that the west Londoners see the signing of Thuram as a 'big opportunity'. Armando Broja could be out for the remainder of the season with an injury, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is in a rut of poor form, Kai Havertz is seen as a more creator oppose to a goalscorer and David Datro Fofana has just arrived, so the Frenchman's arrival makes sense in the short-team, at least.
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