It may be a case of “Wout Weghorst or nothing” for Manchester United as it’s revealed the club still owes £307m in transfer fee instalments.

Burnley striker Weghorst, currently on loan at Besiktas, is thought to be close to switching to Old Trafford.

The move has been met with criticism by some who claim Weghorst is an odd choice for a club fighting to qualify for the Champions League this season.

But Steve Stone, who worked with the Netherland striker at Burnley last season, says the “short-term fix” for United could turn out to be a shrewd move.

“Wout is incredibly professional at what he does,” said Stone. “Technically, he is very good. He leads the line and brings others into play. He won’t run in behind, that’s not his strength, but they have others to do that.

“Trying to find someone in January is difficult so he would be a short-term fix who could tie them through to the summer. I think he’d be a great option even if they kept him into next season.”

Dutch football journalist Marcel van der Kraan though believes United had little option to push for a “cheap and easy option” in Weghorst.

“I’ve been told there is no money at the moment to invest heavily,” he said. “Otherwise I do not think Weghorst would be the first pick.

“He is a cheap and easy option. It’s maybe a case of Weghorst or nothing.”

Kieran Magyuire, author of ‘The Price of Football’ has attempted to explain why United are making a loan move for a striker rather than buying one.

He tweeted: ‘The reason why Manchester United are trying to get a loan signing from Burnley in the present transfer window rather than buying a player could be due to #MUFC already owing other clubs £307m on transfer fee instalments, rather than for FFP.’

Former United striker Andy Cole was surprised by the links with Weghorst.

“Wow! When I heard about Weghorst I was as surprised as anybody,” Cole said.

“I know he got a couple of goals in the World Cup and he’s on loan in Turkey now but he had an absolutely terrible time at Burnley.

“You can only say if he had such a tough time at Burnley what can we really expect if he comes to Manchester United?”

READ MORE: Wout Weghorst might be a sloppy bodge job but exactly what Manchester United need

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