Manchester United ‘hold talks’ with Brentford over potential transfer of Ivan Toney

Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Brentford striker Ivan Toney as they seek to strengthen their attacking options.

The 28-year-old is also being pursued by Chelsea and Saudi Arabian club Al Ahli, highlighting his growing prominence in the transfer market.

According to The Standard, preliminary discussions between Manchester United and Brentford have occurred, focusing on a potential deal for Toney.

However, with just two days remaining in the summer transfer window, United have yet to make an official offer.

Chelsea have also shown interest in Toney, aiming to add a proven goal-scorer to their squad for the 2024-2025 season.

Sky Sports reports that Toney is expected to fit Chelsea’s wage structure, and the transfer fee is anticipated to be reasonable.

Nonetheless, Chelsea’s squad size may increase further with Toney’s addition, adding to existing concerns about player numbers.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Toney comes amid their ongoing search for a reliable goal-scorer, exacerbated by a growing list of injuries.

Mason Mount recently joined the injury list after being substituted at half-time against Brighton.

Luke Shaw, Rasmus Hojlund, and Victor Lindelof are still recovering, while Leny Yoro and Tyrell Malacia are expected to return soon.

Joshua Zirkzee’s availability has been a positive for United, but manager Erik ten Hag continues to face challenges in fielding his strongest side despite significant summer investments.

Danish striker Hojlund has struggled to meet expectations since his move from Atalanta, and Marcus Rashford has been inconsistent, placing additional pressure on Bruno Fernandes and other midfielders.

The need for an experienced, reliable striker has become increasingly apparent, particularly in key matches where United have struggled to break down defences.

Consequently, Manchester United are keen to secure Toney’s signature, potentially surpassing Chelsea and Al Ahli in the race.

Al Ahli are reportedly offering Toney a three-year contract, which would see him join players such as Edouard Mendy, Riyad Mahrez, and Roberto Firmino in Saudi Arabia.

Should a move to Al Ahli not materialize, Toney remains determined to leave Brentford, with time running out to finalize a deal.

Toney’s career began at Northampton Town before he moved to Newcastle United in 2015.

Struggling to secure a first-team spot, he was loaned to various lower-league clubs before making his breakthrough at Peterborough United.

His prolific goal-scoring there earned him a transfer to Brentford in 2020, where he shattered the Championship’s single-season scoring record and played a crucial role in the club’s promotion to the Premier League.

Toney continued to impress in the top flight but faced a setback in 2023 when he was handed an eight-month ban for breaching Football Association betting rules.

Charged with 232 betting offenses between 2017 and 2021, Ivan Toney admitted to most breaches, resulting in his suspension and a £50,000 fine.

Despite Brentford’s support during his suspension, it appears his future may now lie elsewhere.

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