As the transfer deadline approaches, Manchester United’s transfer market is heating up, with several players expected to join or leave the club.
Amid the expected upheaval, United may have been given a boost by Burnley’s interest in Hannibal Mejbri.
This would be a surprise addition as United probably did not place Mejbri high on their player list where they expected him to find many high-paying buyers.
For now, the player appears to be completely out of United’s plans so a deal is expected to be done if the right offer comes in.
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Burnley bring on Hannibal Mejbri
The Athletic reports that Burnley are interested in signing Hannibal Mejbri and are considering both a loan deal with an obligation to buy or a permanent move.
The Frenchman joined United in 2019 but failed to establish himself at the club after a series of loan spells.
After a limited playing time in pre-season, he was on the club’s list of players eligible for redemption.
Rangers have previously been interested but the deal has not progressed since it was first reported, while links with Burnley are new.
Mejbri, in particular, is a proven Championship player, having performed well for Championship side Birmingham before his unceremonious loan move to Sevilla.
He joined as a highly-rated player from Monaco in 2019 but his chances of breaking out disappeared with the arrival of Bruno Fernandes in the team.
Manchester United should jump on this one
If Burnley make an offer close to what United are asking for, the club should jump at it rather than playing hardball.
The Frenchman is clearly not in Erik ten Hag’s plans and there was nothing in his own performance to suggest he should be.
Furthermore, with his contract at Old Trafford ending next year, his value is at an all-time low and, ideally, United should have sold him after his time at Birmingham if they had no plans for him.
However, indecisiveness under the previous ownership regime meant United were forced to take a loss on him.
Still, they could make a small profit on it once it’s written off, and the possibility of selling it for a small upfront payment would be important if he were to grow with them.
Burnley manager Scott Parker likes to play with the ball, so Mejbri’s talents should emerge with regular playing time.
Now is the right time to part ways and United generally don’t stand in the way of players who have no future at the club.
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