Manchester United eyeing Premier League striker Pep Guardiola labeled ‘exceptional’
According to a report from The Athletic, Manchester United are considering a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
The Red Devils are refusing to rule out making further attacking reinforcements after luring Bologna star Joshua Zirkzee to Old Trafford. Joshua Zirkzee, who was a part of the Netherlands side that lost 2-1 to England in the Euro 2024 semi-finals earlier this week, is close to becoming the new co-owners, INEOS’ first signing of the summer transfer window. He will potentially fill in the void left by Anthony Martial, who was released upon the expiry of his contract at the end of June.
However, Erik ten Hag and INEOS are in no mood to stop after almost acquiring the Netherlands international’s signature. The Athletic claims that Manchester United have already held internal talks over signing Ivan Toney. Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also on the list of targets, as Erik ten Hag looks to address his team’s goalscoring woes of last season.
Toney, 28, has entered the final year of his contract at Brentford, just as Calvert-Lewin has at Goodison Park. The England international isn’t keen on signing a new deal with the Bees any time soon, and having less than 12 months remaining on his deal, they are open to cashing him in this summer.
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Brentford value Toney at £60m but they may be forced to provide some discount to potential suitors to avoid losing the 28-year-old for free next year, the report adds. Of course, Man United would need to make some sales before splashing the cash on the Bees star.
Interest in Toney perhaps suggests the 20-time English champions’ desire to add a proven, seasoned Premier League striker to the squad. Rasmus Hojlund enjoyed a decent debut campaign at Old Trafford but isn’t yet to fully ready to lead the attack week in, week out. Zirkzee is the type of striker who likes to move out wide and drop deep in midfield to link up play, and therefore, Man United will need a box presence as well.
After returning from an eight-month ban for breaching FA betting rules last season, Toney managed only four goals and two assists in 17 Premier League appearances. The Englishman, who was labelled ‘exceptional’ by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in February, however, could still be a good fit at Man United, offering a different dimension to their attack than Zirkzee. His movements in the box and positioning in front of goal would also benefit Hojlund.
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At 28, Toney still has at least three to four years at the highest level and could make an immediate impact for Ten Hag’s side. If we can negotiate a fee between £40m-45m with Brentford given his contract situation, Toney would actually represent a bargain signing.