Richard Keys brutally mocks Manchester United over transfer "flop"

Richard Keys has mocked Manchester United's move for Wout Weghorst, describing the Dutch striker as a "lump up top".

United are close to completing a loan deal for Netherlands international Weghorst after reaching an agreement with his parent club Burnley and Besiktas.

United have agreed to pay Besiktas a compensation fee of around €3m (£2.7m) to end the striker's season-long loan at the Turkish club early.

He will now join United until the end of the campaign as a short-term replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo, who left the club in November.

It is a remarkable move for Weghorst, who has enjoyed a resurgence since moving to Turkey.

Weghorst has scored nine goals in 18 appearances for Besiktas this season.

In comparison, he managed only two league goals for Burnley last season as they were relegated from the Premier League.

United's move for Weghorst is partly down to the financial restrictions currently in place at Old Trafford, with the club's owners – the Glazer family – reluctant to spend while they search for a potential buyer.

It is in marked contrast to Chelsea's transfer business this month, with the London club forking out £15m to sign Joao Felix on a six-month loan when taking into account his wages and a loan fee to Atletico Madrid.

Keys labels Weghorst a 'lump'

Former Sky Sports presenter Richard Keys, who now works for beIN SPORTS, has mocked United's move for Weghorst, comparing it to Chelsea's deal for Felix.

"Wout Weghorst. Burnley flop. Wow. I can't remember the last time Utd played a lump up top," tweeted Keys.

"Was it Ron Davies? Joe Jordan? He could play a big though.

"I guess it doesn't help OT faithful get their heads round this because Joao Felix strolled into Chelsea on the same day."

Weghorst is expected to complete his move to United on Friday but manager Ten Hag says he won't be registered in time to face rivals Manchester City on Saturday.

"We are close [but] he will not be available for tomorrow," said Ten Hag.

Topics: Manchester United, Wout Weghorst, Football, Premier League, Burnley, Besiktas, Transfers

Rory O'Callaghan

Rory O'Callaghan is Editorial Lead at SPORTbible. He has previously worked for Sky Sports News, MailOnline and Reach covering football, cricket, boxing and MMA. Tested daily as a Liverpool fan in a Manchester office.

@rory_ocallaghan