Burnley plotting transfer move for Man Utd's Hannibal Mejbri | OneFootball

Burnley are targeting a move for a Manchester United youngster ahead of the transfer deadline

Burnley are interested in signing Hannibal Mejbri from Manchester United before the transfer window closes next week.

According to The Athletic, the Clarets are seeking a move for the midfielder ahead of the 30 August deadline.

The Tunisia international is understood to be available for loan or on a permanent basis, with the structure of a potential deal yet to be figured out.

Hannibal is on the fringes of the Man United first team squad, and made just five appearances for the Premier League side last season (all stats from Fbref).

He spent the second half of the campaign on loan with Sevilla, where he made a further six league appearances before returning to Old Trafford in the summer.

Burnley’s Hannibal Mejbri interest

Burnley are targeting the signing of Hannibal following the sale of Sander Berge to Fulham, with the Premier League player entering the final year of his current contract.

The Norwegian midfielder is close to the move to the Cottagers following a £20 million agreement between the two clubs, according to The Athletic.

Scott Parker will be keen to reinforce his midfield options before the market shuts next week, especially with Berge such a key part of his first team plans.

The 26-year-old missed both of Burnley’s opening two league games due to the speculation over his future, but he featured 37 times in the Premier League last year after signing from Sheffield United.

Hannibal has previous experience in the EFL, having spent time on loan with Birmingham City during the 2022/23 campaign.

The 21-year-old made 38 appearances in the Championship, including 21 starts, and contributed one goal and five assists.

Hannibal has struggled to break into Erik ten Hag’s team on a regular basis, and Man United are believed to be open to his departure.

It remains unclear what the structure of the deal will be, if it goes through, but he did hold an option to buy clause in his loan to Sevilla last season, which was worth €20 (£17) million.

Burnley’s start to the Championship season

Burnley have made a flying start to the new Championship campaign, with their sights firmly set on automatic promotion back to the top flight.

Parker’s side won their opening two fixtures, scoring nine and conceding just one, with the team sitting top of the table with six points from six.

The Clarets have until Friday evening next week to complete any remaining deals before the window closes until 1 January.

Next up for Burnley is an away trip to face Sunderland on 24 August.

Hannibal could be a good option for Parker’s squad

Hannibal hasn’t quite made it at Man United, but he’s earned Premier League experience and is still a very talented young player.

He is a versatile option, and can play in a deeper or more advanced midfield role.

At 21, he also still has plenty of room to develop and grow into a top talent that can compete at a Premier League level.

It remains to be seen what the structure of the deal will be, but a loan move with an option to buy might be the best deal Burnley could get at this stage.