Ajax consider cut price deal with Burnley for Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst

Ajax are considering a move for the Netherlands striker Wout Weghorst in a cut price deal with Burnley.

Weghorst scored within two minutes of his introduction as a late substitute in the Netherlands’ 2-1 victory over Poland in Hamburg on Sunday.

It was the latest dramatic intervention from the bench for his country from Weghorst, who famously came on to score twice for the Dutch against Argentina in Qatar in 2022 and take their World Cup quarter-final into extra-time.

Weghorst has one year left on the contract he signed with Burnley after joining the Lancashire club from Wolfsburg in January 2022.

But the 31-year-old striker is thought to be reluctant to play in the Championship next season and open to a move to a top-flight club, with Ajax monitoring his situation.

Ajax endured a miserable season when they finished fifth, 35 points behind champions PSV Eindhoven, and are looking to reduce their wage bill.

Steven Bergwijn, Chuba Akpom and Brian Brobbey have all been linked with moves away from the Dutch club, who are understood to be eyeing up Weghorst as they bid to refresh their attack.

Weghorst scored just two goals in 20 appearances for Burnley before being loaned to Besiktas in July 2022.

His loan at the Turkish club ended up being cut short when Manchester United came calling six months later in the wake of Weghorst’s World Cup heroics and signed the player on a short-term loan as a cheap forward option.

Weghorst endured a difficult time at Old Trafford, managing just two goals in 31 appearances, and was loaned to Hoffenheim last summer. He fared better back in Germany, scoring seven goals in 30 appearances.

With Vincent Kompany - who saw no place for Weghorst - having left Burnley to take over as Bayern Munich coach, the Turf Moor club will leave it to their new manager to decide whether to keep or sell the striker.

However, it is thought likely that Weghorst’s preference will be to move on, rather than play in England’s second tier following Burnley’s relegation from the Premier League last season.

Ipswich look to beat Everton by landing Hull centre-back Greaves

Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna has made Jacob Greaves his first-choice target to bolster his back line as he builds his squad for the Premier League.‌

Greaves, 23, has been on Everton’s list of potential centre-backs for the summer window but they face serious competition from newly-promoted Ipswich, who have kept McKenna at the club and will back him with signings.‌

Sean Dyche will look for a replacement should Jarrad Branthwaite leave Goodison, with Manchester United bidding for the England international.‌

Hull would like Greaves to stay at MKM Stadium after an excellent campaign where he played a huge role in competing for a play-off place and finishing seventh.‌

It was his third season as a regular in the Championship, having been promoted with the club after joining from Cheltenham in 2020.‌

McKenna has targeted him to strengthen the heart of his defence, with Greaves playing against Ipswich last season but seen as a player with potential to adapt to the top flight.

Cameron Burgess and Luke Woolfenden were McKenna’s regular’s last season.‌

Villa frustrated in move for Juventus midfielder McKnnie‌

Aston Villa’s talks over a move for Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie have stalled, which may open the door for other Premier League clubs to move.‌

McKennie has been made available for a transfer away from Juve, who want to sign Villa midfielder Douglas Luiz.‌

Tottenham and Arsenal have been long-term admirers of McKennie, 25, from his time with Schalke and in Italy. Other clubs could come into the frame for the USA international, who had a loan spell at Leeds United but was relegated.‌

Sheffield United look to pin down Egan to new deal

Sheffield United captain John Egan is locked in talks over a new deal at Bramall Lane, with his contract expiring this month.‌

Two clubs in the Premier League are looking at him as a free-agent signing following Sheffield United’s relegation last season, with Egan playing in seven matches before a foot injury ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

West Ham among Premier League admirers for Perez

Nehuén Pérez, the Udinese centre-back, has Premier League clubs looking at a potential summer deal but also has a buyback clause for Atlético Madrid in his contract.‌

West Ham and several other English clubs have been watching the 23-year-old, along with AC Milan in Italy.