Wout Weghorst pleads Besiktas for Manchester United move, Harry Maguire laughs off Aston Villa rumours – Paper Round

Weghorst pushing for dream move

Wout Weghorst has “pleaded” with Besiktas to cancel his loan and let him join Manchester United this winter. The 30-year-old is on a season-long loan at the Turkish club from Burnley so needs to be freed up from his deal with Besiktas in order to move to the Premier League giants. Despite no recall clause in the original agreement, the Telegraph report that all parties involved are “hopeful” that Weghorst will be able to agree a loan move to Manchester United this month. The report reveals that United’s alternative attacking options include Joao Felix, Memphis Depay and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The Manchester club are limited to loan signings due to their restricted finances.

Paper Round’s view: It’s a shock to see Manchester United actively pursue Weghorst – especially due to the fact that he failed to impress in the Premier League for Burnley last season. The Dutch striker was signed to try and help Burnley avoid relegation but failed to make an impact. United’s list of targets are obviously limited due to the fact that they are “seeking a low cost loan”. It basically rules out Felix – who will cost a small fortune to bring in for just six months – and Depay’s salary probably isn’t that low. Weghorst could be effective as a second option, but surely he would not be a starter if Erik ten Hag is aiming to secure top four.

Maguire going nowhere

Harry Maguire is expected to stay at Manchester United beyond the winter transfer window, despite shocking speculation around his future on Sunday. The England international was linked with a surprise loan move to Aston Villa after being spotting in Birmingham over the weekend. However, the Manchester Evening News reveal that sources close to Maguire and United view the rumours as “laughable”. The report states that Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag wants to keep Maguire at the club until the end of the season at least.

Paper Round’s view: Maguire has been out of favour since Ten Hag took charge at Old Trafford over the summer so there are question marks over his future. However, it seems like he is staying put for now. We have seen how good the 29-year-old can be. His performances for England at the World Cup were a throwback to his previous form. Maguire probably needs to move on to get regular game time, but United will have to accept that they won’t get a fee close to what they paid for him. Villa is below Maguire’s level, but it is unlikely that United would sell to a top-four rival if he leaves for another Premier League club.

Spurs line up Lloris successor

Tottenham Hotspur are searching for a successor for goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and the Telegraph reveal that Brentford stopper David Raya is top of their list of transfer targets. The north London outfit remain happy with their club captain but are looking for a long-term replacement as Lloris is 36 years old. The Spurs stopper’s current contract has just 18 months remaining, and Raya could be available for a cut-price fee as his deal at Brentford is the same length as Lloris. The Telegraph also state that Spurs are interested in Everton and England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who will also be entering the final year of his contract this summer.

Paper Round’s view: It makes sense to start planning for life without Lloris. The World Cup winner has been a great servant to Tottenham, but there are definitely question marks over whether he is still cut out for the top level. Lloris has always been suspect to an error and this will probably just continue as he gets older. Targeting Raya and Pickford sends a clear message. Spurs are keen on signing a goalkeeper who is good with the ball at their feet. Lloris does not really fit that style, so it shows that Tottenham are hoping to move on from him. Raya or Pickford would be great signings, and both could be available in cut-price deals due to their respective contract situations.

Why Zidane turned down USMNT

Zinedine Zidane has reportedly turned down an offer to coach the United States men’s national team, according to Marca. US Soccer failed to extend Gregg Berhalter’s contract after it expired in December following their World Cup exit. Zidane is said to have been approached but rejected the opportunity as the former Real Madrid boss only wishes to manage the French national team. The report states that Zidane also turned down offers from Brazil and Portugal.

Paper Round’s view: If Zidane only wants to coach the French national team, he might be waiting a while. Les Bleus just announced that Didier Deschamps has signed a contract extension until 2026, which means he will be in charge at the next World Cup. Zidane might have to step back into management within the next three years if he still wants to be considered for that role in 2026. Maybe he will do club management to plug the gap. Zidane has been linked with Paris Saint-Germain for a few years now.