MANCHESTER UNITED will reportedly not give the number seven shirt to Wout Weghorst as they have promised it to Joao Felix.
The Red Devils are interested in signing the Dutch striker in order to bolster their attacking options.
Weghorst joined Burnley last season before their relegation before he moved to Besikta on a season-long loan in the summer transfer window.
The 30-year-old striker has done well in Turkey, scoring eight goals and assisting four in his 16 appearances in the Super Lig.
Now he has emerged as a shock target for boss Erik ten Hag, who currently only has Anthony Martial as a recognised centre-forward following the exit of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is now at Saudi Arabian side Al-Nassr.
United are believed to be closing in on securing the services of Weghorst on loan for the rest of the campaign – although Besiktas are adamant they will be owed compensation.
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However, Portuguese publication A Bola are claiming that Weghorst will not be offered the chance to wear the vacated No 7 shirt at Old Trafford.
They instead state that United’s CEO Richard Arnold has promised it to Joao Felix as they also attempt to get the Atletico Madrid forward on-board this month.
The Portugal international forward, 23, joined the Spanish giants for £113million back in 2019 but he has failed to live up to that price tag, contributing just 38 goals and 14 assists in 130 games.
An alleged falling out with Diego Simeone means Atletico are now willing to offload him.
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Felix's agent Jorge Mendes met with the LaLiga side's CEO Miguel Angel Gil on Thursday to put forward the Red Devils' loan offer of £3m.
United also said they would be willing to pay the player's wages but, we we reported over the weekend, Atletico rejected that offer and want a loan fee of £9.5m AND an obligation to buy for £70.5m.
They are now giving United until the middle of next week to complete a deal.
Erik ten Hag's men are understood to have first option on Felix and will have 48 hours to match any other offers.
Arsenal are also renewing their interest following a failed pursuit in the summer, with Mendes set to meet Gunners chiefs to discuss the move.
Felix scored for Atletico against Elche on December 29 but was then left out of Simeone's squad for their Copa del Rey win over Oviedo on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the arrival of Weghorst, who represented Holland at the World Cup, seems to be edging closer.
That is after he appeared to say goodbye to the fans after scoring for Besiktas on Saturday.
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