Ex-Man Utd ace Mame Biram Diouf holds key to Wout Weghorst transfer

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Former Manchester United attacker Mame Biram Diouf could inadvertently hold the key to the Red Devils’ hopes of landing Wout Weghorst in the January transfer window, according to reports in Turkey. Despite positive initial discussions with Burnley, Old Trafford chiefs are yet to receive the green light to sign the Dutch international target man as Besiktas continue to dig their heels into the ground over the loanee.

While Weghorst wants the move, the Turkish giants are continuing to demand compensation from United and Burnley in order to cut the striker’s spell in Istanbul short.

Besiktas have argued that there was no recall or break clause included within the initial agreement last summer – meaning they should be entitled to a payday.

Furthermore, the Black Eagles need to find a replacement for Weghorst before they even consider losing their star centre-forward, who netted the winner in their 2-1 Super Lig victory over Kasimpasa on Saturday.

According to Turkish outlet Spor Arena, Besiktas have now set their sights on former United forward Diouf after their hopes of signing former player Vincent Aboubakar hit a snag.

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Aboubakar has enjoyed two successful spells at Vodafone Park but he is yet to agree a mutual termination of his contract with current club Al-Nassr.

The Saudi Arabian outfit are keen to cut ties with the Cameroonian following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo at Mrsool Park earlier this month.

While all hope is not yet lost, Besiktas appear to be mindful that they need multiple solutions in case United and Burnley cough up the cash to free Weghorst from their clutches.

Diouf spent three years with Manchester United after joining from Molde in 2009 before enjoying a respectable six-year stint with Stoke between 2014 and 2020.

Since then, he has become a household name in the Super Lig, rattling in 38 goals in 85 appearances in Turkey.

The Konyaspor attacker has seven goals in 12 outings this season and his rich form in front of goal has seemingly captured the interest of Besiktas.

Weghorst trained with the Black Eagles on Tuesday morning amid claims this would be his final day with the club before returning to the Premier League.

The claims have since been strongly denied by Besiktas, who issued a fiery statement to provide clarity on Weghorst’s future.

“After the match of our Football A Team against Kasimpasa in the Super League, there was a need to make a statement due to speculative news in the media about our football player Wout Weghorst,” the statement read.

“The claim that there is an exit clause in our football player’s contract, stating that his contract can be terminated with a compensation of 2.5 million Euros in case of an offer from the Premier League, is fictitious.

“However, the news that the player in question will leave the team on Tuesday is completely untrue. The initiative regarding Wout Weghorst belongs entirely to Besiktas Gymnastics Club.

“We also state that if there is a development on this issue, our esteemed community and the public will be informed.”

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