Manchester United's deal for Wout Weghorst could still collapse, with Besiktas president Ahmet Nur Cebi refusing to allow the move before a replacement can be found.
United boss Erik ten Hag is keen to sign Netherlands international Weghorst on loan this month, with the Red Devils short on numbers in attack following Cristiano Ronaldo's departure from the club.
Weghorst is currently on loan at Besiktas from Championship leaders Burnley, having joined the Turkish club in the summer window following the Clarets' relegation from the Premier League.
Advert
United's approach for Weghorst is complicated by the fact that there is no break clause in his loan deal with Besiktas, meaning the Turkish club must give their approval for him to leave.
Weghorst, 30, has scored nine goals in 18 appearances since arriving in Turkey and Besiktas president Cebi insists he won't let the Dutch striker go before a replacement is found.
"With the victories over Adana Demirspor and Kasimpasa we have caught a good mood again," he told Turkish outlet Milliyet.
Advert
"In this critical period, I will not leave the team without a striker.
"If we agree on the terms after getting in a quality striker, then we will send Weghorst away. Otherwise, Weghorst will stay in the team."
Besiktas keen to re-sign Aboubakar
Besiktas are interested in re-signing free agent Vincent Aboubakar as Weghorst's replacement.
Advert
The 30-year-old striker is without a club after being released by Al Nassr following Ronaldo's arrival at the club.
Cameroon international Aboubakar, who featured for his country at the World Cup in Qatar, reportedly indicted his desire to leave Al Nassr for a club in Europe.
The Saudi side subsequently agreed to release him from his contract to help them comply with their maximum foreign player limit in order to register Ronaldo, according to RMC Sport.
Aboubakar spent one season with Besiktas before joining Al Nassr in 2021.
Advert
Should he return to the club for a second spell, it would pave the way for Weghorst to secure a dream move to Old Trafford.
Topics: Besiktas, Manchester United, Wout Weghorst, Premier League, Transfers, Burnley
Rory O'Callaghan