Manchester United Eyeing Ivan Toney Amid Summer Transfer Rumours

Manchester United could offer Brentford striker Ivan Toney a move to Old Trafford, despite the star seeking a substantial pay rise, according to sources from GIVEMESPORT. As the summer transfer window approaches its closure, the Red Devils are reportedly considering Toney as a potential addition to their squad.

The Red Devils have already strengthened their attacking lineup by securing a £36.5 million deal for Dutch international Joshua Zirkzee, whose goals helped Bologna secure Champions League qualification. However, United manager Erik ten Hag is still in the market for further reinforcements. 

The club has also signed Leny Yoro from Lille for up to £58.9 million, with new sporting director Dan Ashworth actively exploring additional signings before the August 30 deadline.

Manchester United might contemplate negotiating for Ivan Toney if his price drops below £40 million, according to GMS sources. Ten Hag sees a potential opportunity to secure a cut-price deal as it becomes evident that Toney will not sign a new contract with Brentford.

Toney is in the final 12 months of his £20,000-per-week contract at Brentford’s Gtech Community Stadium. While Brentford hopes to retain him by offering new terms, they are unlikely to meet his significant wage demands or match his ambitions. 

Toney is reportedly seeking a contract worth up to £250,000 per week at his next club. Despite already bolstering their striking options with Zirkzee, Manchester United has held discussions about a potential move for Toney.

Ivan Toney has scored 36 goals in 85 Premier League appearances, earning him a spot in England’s squad for Euro 2024. The 28-year-old is keen to advance his career and leave Brentford before the new Premier League season starts. However, he is also open to the possibility of staying another season and becoming a free agent, allowing him to choose his next move without club-to-club negotiations.

Manchester United could face competition from the Saudi Pro League, as Al-Ahli has shown interest in Toney alongside Napoli’s Victor Osimhen and Tottenham’s Richarlison. Chelsea is not pursuing Toney under new head coach Enzo Maresca, and a move to Arsenal is only plausible if Toney becomes a free agent by the 2025/26 season.

Brentford has not received any formal approach from Al-Ahli or bids from other clubs for Toney. Manchester United understands that Brentford manager Thomas Frank would prefer not to lose Toney without securing a transfer fee. Previously valued at £100 million, Brentford might have to settle for less than half that amount due to Toney’s contract situation.

Sources also reveal that Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have shown interest in Toney but have yet to make serious offers. Both clubs are considering testing Brentford’s resolve with lower bids, aiming to finalize a summer deal.

As the transfer window deadline looms, Manchester United remains vigilant in the market, with Ivan Toney emerging as a potential target. While challenges remain regarding his wage demands and Brentford’s valuation, the Red Devils might capitalize on the situation to bolster their attacking line. With competition from the Saudi Pro League and other Premier League clubs, Manchester United’s pursuit of Toney could become one of the key storylines in the final weeks of the transfer window.