Wout Weghorst’s loan switch to Manchester United could hand Everton a boost in their pursuit of Anthony Elanga.
The ECHO reported at the end of last month that Elanga is among what is said to be a detailed list of targets for the Blues this month. Everton’s need to strengthen up top is well-documented and Frank Lampard revealed hopes of bringing in two forward players during the World Cup break.
Ten Hag reiterated his reluctance to sanction the departure of Elanga earlier this month, saying: "I know we have good players and I know a lot of clubs will have an interest in players who aren’t playing for us so often. But we need the squad. We need depth in the squad and especially, I would say, the frontline."
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The ECHO understands that one of the conditions that had to be met in order for Elanga to leave on loan during this window was that United had to bring in a forward to replace Cristiano Ronaldo, who joined Al Nassr last month after leaving the Old Trafford club back in November.
And now the arrival of Weghorst, from Burnley, appeared to move closer on Tuesday, and could prompt Ten Hag to allow the winger to leave in order to secure regular game time. The Sweden internaional has only made 18 appearances in all competitions so far this season, with most of them coming off the bench.
Weghorst, who is on loan at Besiktas from Burnley, appeared to wave an emotional goodbye to the club's fans after scoring the winner in a 2-1 Super Lig victory over Kasimpasa at the weekend. The former Wolfsburg star has hit the ground running in Turkey, netting eight goals and registering four assists in 16 league games.
Speaking on transfers ahead of his side’s FA Cup tie against United last week, Blues boss Lampard revealed all options available to the Goodison Park club this month are being looked at.
He said: “We have a budget to spend, but as I mentioned, we may look at loans as well. We have to look at what we can bring in, a player to impact us now, because that is what we want and need.
“But also not to bring in players who become our players, that are not the right players for Everton and our squad. That is a process we have to go through to make sure we don't make those mistakes.
“That doesn't make it easy because it is not a big market at the minute, particularly at the top end of the pitch, that is the hardest market to find people who will come and deliver for you. But we have to work out our best way to do that.”
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