Burnley striker 'willing to take pay cut to join boyhood club'

The 31-year-old is currently away from Turf Moor for the 2023-24 season, spending a temporary stint at Hoffenheim in the German first division.

Weghorst has featured in 21 Bundesliga matches so far this term, finding the net on five occasions, with the most recent coming against Freiburg on January 20.

During his career at the Clarets, the Dutchman has made 20 appearances across all competitions, making the net ripple on just two occasions for the Lancashire club.

According to Dutch journalist Leon ten Voorde, Weghorst is currently planning his strategy ahead of the summer transfer window which is just a few months away.

The report claims that the striker is willing to take a pay cut in order to join boyhood club Twente, who are plying their trade in the Eredivisie.

Therefore, it is understood that agreeing personal terms with Weghorst would not be an issue for the Tukkers, who are currently third in the league standings under Joseph Oosting.

However, it is believed that Burnley's desire to earn a good transfer fee from the deal could price the Dutch side out of a switch for the forward.

Signing from Bundesliga outfit Wolfsburg in January 2022 as the Clarets looked to avoid Premier League relegation, Weghorst was unable to guide Sean Dyche's men to safety.

With the striker's contract in Lancashire expiring at the end of the 2024-25 campaign, it is understood that Burnley are unlikely to let him depart on a free transfer this summer.

It was reported last month that Twente were actively planning for a summer pursuit of Weghorst, however it remains to be see whether the Eredivisie side can secure their long-term target.

Vincent Kompany's side are struggling in the Premier League without the talents of Weghorst, with the Clarets 19th in the top-flight standings, five points from Luton Town in 17th.

Following the first international break of the calendar year, Burnley will make the trip to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.