MANCHESTER UNITED are considering a shock transfer for Ivan Toney, according to reports.
The Red Devils are in the market for a new forward in the summer to compete with Rasmus Hojlund.
And, according to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, their search may land them on Brentford ace Toney.
Toney has made no secret of his desire to leave the Bees for pastures new in the summer.
Man Utd are yet to finalise their summer transfer strategy following the investment of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos, who have been handed control over the clubs football operations after a decade of mediocrity under the Glazers.
Ratcliffe and his new team are still ironing out certain profiles they want, and are deciding between bringing an experienced or younger frontman.
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But, according to Romano in his daily briefing column for CaughtOffside, Toney’s availability could prompt Man Utd to make a move.
Romano said: “It’s just one of the options to be considered and discussed internally.
“Man United are still in early stages of the process to decide which striker they want to sign; experienced or young.
“Talks are gonna take place internally, Toney will be one of the names available on the market so could be one to watch.”
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At the age of 28, Toney would offer a wealth of experience without age being a risk.
Arsenal and Chelsea are among the other clubs who have been linked with the star.
However, SunSport understands the Gunners have cooled their interest, leaving the Blues, Tottenham and West Ham as the main parties in the running to have expressed interest.
That is of course, barring a move from Man Utd to bring Toney to Old Trafford.
Toney unlikely to let opportunity slide
By Charlie Wyett
IVAN TONEY will be backing himself to beat Ollie Watkins in the race to Euro 2024.
Because when it comes to supreme self-confidence, others might call it extraordinary arrogance, Toney gives Zlatan Ibrahimovic — football’s ultimate bighead — a run for his money.
If, heaven forbid, something did happen to Harry Kane ahead of the summer tournament in Germany, Brentford striker Toney would likely see himself the only viable alternative as a replacement No 9.
Equally, if England found themselves in another shootout at this year’s final in Berlin on July 14, most would want the bloke who has scored 35 of his 38 career penalties to be one of Gareth Southgate’s takers.
Aston Villa forward Watkins, 28, is enjoying the best season of his career with 22 goals in all competitions but his Euros trial did not go so well with a disappointing performance in the 1-0 defeat by Brazil on Saturday.
Against Belgium, Toney is unlikely to make the same mistake.
A strong performance could see the Brentford ace continue on his journey from footballing outcast to, potentially, a national hero this summer.
Given Erik ten Hag likes to utilise a physically dominant forward such as Sebastien Haller at Ajax or Wout Weghorst at Man Utd last season, it stands to reason that Toney would compliment the Dutchman’s system.
In the meantime, Toney is set to start for England in their friendly against Belgium.
Toney returned to football in January following a betting ban.
In that time he has netted four goals in ten Premier League games, but blanked in each of his last five.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
