Championship side Burnley are reportedly interested in a move for Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri ahead of the summer transfer deadline.
Championship side Burnley are interested in a move for Manchester United midfielder Hannibal Mejbri ahead of the summer transfer deadline, according to a report.
Despite showing flashes of promise, Mejbri has never managed to nail down a regular starting role in Erik ten Hag‘s side over the last few seasons.
The 21-year-old spent the latter half of last term on loan at Sevilla and is no stranger to the Championship, having played for Birmingham City on loan during the 2022-23 league campaign.
The Tunisian international made just six league appearances for the La Liga outfit last season following a public dispute with manager Quique Sanchez Flores.
His loan deal included a buy clause, but Sevilla opted not to activate it, leading to Mejbri’s return to Manchester at the start of the summer.
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Mejbri set for return to the Championship?
The Athletic report that Burnley, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are considering either a “loan deal or a permanent transfer” for the 21-year-old ahead of the summer transfer deadline.
The report adds that the Red Devils are open to Mejbri’s departure this month, as they aim to generate funds to continue the overhaul of Ten Hag’s squad.
However, given that the 21-year-old has now entered the final 12 months of his contract at Old Trafford, United are likely to favour a permanent sale for him above a loan offer.
Man United paid around £9.5m for the Tunisian from Monaco back in 2019 and he will be able to speak to clubs about a free transfer from January if the Red Devils fail to move him on or tie him down to a contract extension.
Mejbri has made just 13 appearances for United’s senior team and scored one goal for the side in a 3-1 defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion in September 2023.
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Burnley looking for Berge replacement?
Burnley have made an impressive start to life back in the Championship, as they beat Luton Town 4-1 on opening day and followed up with a 5-0 demolition of Cardiff City last weekend.
The Clarets are believed to view the 21-year-old United midfielder as a potential replacement for Sander Berge, who is reportedly on the verge of returning to the Premier League with Fulham.
Reports this week suggest that the Cottagers have agreed a deal to sign the Norwegian international for around £25m, which leaves Scott Parker with a significant gap to fill in his midfield.
Berge arrived at Turf Moor from Sheffield United for a fee in the region of £12m last season and was rumoured to be linked with a move to Old Trafford as a potential alternative for the Red Devils’ primary midfield target Manuel Ugarte.
The 26-year-old Norway international was a key figure in Burnley’s engine room last term, featuring in all but one of their 38 Premier League matches.