The finances involved in any deal to bring Wout Weghorst to Manchester United on loan could block the move from happening, journalist Laurie Whitwell has claimed.

What's the word?

The Dutchman has been linked with a move to United as Erik ten Hag seeks a short-term striking addition to provide depth up front.

Weghorst is currently on loan at Besiktas from Burnley but is thought to have an option to buy in his loan contract.

Whitwell has claimed that this could prove problematic for United, as Burnley may not want to risk losing out on a future fee, with the Red Devils unlikely to keep the striker beyond the end of the season.

Speaking on the Talk Of The Devils podcast, Whitwell explained why this might put the deal in jeopardy.

He said: "Wout Weghorst, he's obviously got a contract at Burnley and he's over on loan at Besiktas. We have held talks about it, United, with Burnley and the player.

"I think he's up for the move. He's pushing for it, you can see why he would want that. But it's a complicated one because Besiktas have a €10m option to buy.

"Would they actually relinquish that? And also, Burnley, they would probably want compensation because there's an asset there for them. Besiktas would need financial remuneration, I think Burnley might as well."

How much should United pay?

With Man United reportedly confident of signing the striker, you would have to say that Burnley suddenly leaning towards compensation in the form of the option to buy from Besiktas would be both a shock to United's system and a twist in their chase.

Even if they have to pay a compensation fee, it would still represent a low-cost deal to pad United's depth until the summer.

However, if Burnley ask for a large upfront fee or for an obligation-to-buy clause to be inserted into any deal, United should perhaps avoid Weghorst altogether.

Any outcome which results in the club being stuck with the player beyond the end of the season is arguably not desirable, as they may want room in the squad, as well as on the wage bill, to spend big on a top-class forward in the summer.

That said, if they could agree on a low-fee deal with Burnley, we believe it would still represent better value than other potential options on the market on higher wages and transfer fees.