Wout Weghorst to Manchester United will open doors to Everton signing £22.1m attacker

Manchester United are pursuing Burnley striker Wout Weghorst who is on loan at Besiktas. If their chase is successful, Everton may have an easier route to sign Anthony Elanga.

Earlier in the transfer window, the Toffees were heavily linked with Elanga as a possible loan option was being explored. Everton manager Frank Lampard is under fire as his team once again readies for a relegation battle. The Merseysiders are keen to add a striker and a winger in the month of January and Elanga could be a viable candidate.

Elanga is understood to be unhappy with the bits and pieces role at Old Trafford. The lack of first team chances could see the Swedish international leave on loan but before any decision is made over Elanga’s future, Erik ten Hag wants to make sure that he has the necessary players at his disposal.

Since the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo, Manchester United are looking to sign a prolific goal scorer with superior physical traits and Weghorst has emerged as one of the top targets on United’s shortlist. The Dutchman is on loan at Besiktas and has netted eight goals in 16 Super Lig games this season.

Wout Weghorst to Manchester United will open doors for Everton to sign Anthony Elanga

If the Red Devils are successful in completing the signing of Weghorst, Ten Hag would perhaps allow Elanga to leave on loan. According to Fabrizio Romano, Manchester United getting Weghorst will open up the possibility of Elanga leaving and joining Everton.

"I think it’s a possibility, Everton already wanted him in the final week of August. Everton are still interested, they’re a big fan of him and I think it’s a very good possibility for the player because he was tempted in the summer but Erik ten Hag said ‘no you have to stay here, you’re an important player for us’ – now the feeling is different.So, I think this is one they will decide to do in the final days or weeks of the window because Everton are pushing – many clubs are interested in Elanga – but Everton are really pushing.They will try to control the situation and with Weghorst or any other signing then they will decide if they allow Elanga to go” (via The United Stand)"

Everton seem to be pushing the most to acquire the 20 year old and despite some competition for the Swedish international, a deal could fall in favour of Everton. Weghorst’s signing will clearly give United the much needed cushion in their squad and that is when the Toffees can take advantage.

As things stand, the Red Devils are very close to signing Weghorst from Besiktas and a verbal deal has been agreed. In fact, as per Romano, Weghorst is one step away from joining United on loan as Besiktas will sanction the transfer once they find a replacement.

Will Anthony Elanga join Everton?