According to the Manchester Evening News, Man United could still make a late move for Ivan Toney this summer. The Englishman, who starred at Euro 2024, has been linked with a move away from Brentford all summer, having also been linked with Chelsea and Spurs apart from United.
In order to avoid losing him for free next summer, Brentford are reportedly willing to accept under £50 million for the 28-year-old. Toney received a glowing endorsement for Man City manager Pep Guardiola.
"He's an exceptional player. Not just with the long balls, with keeping (the ball) and set-pieces, with the penalties as a guarantee. For many things they can link with him and he's an extraordinary player. I'm so happy he is back and hopefully that period is forgotten in his life and for his family. Exceptional players always are more than welcome in the Premier League."
Rasmus Hojlund did not train yesterday, and his injury is thought to be minor. Although, playing in the remainder of the tour is a doubt and he will be assessed ahead of the Community Shield on 10th August.
United were earlier reported to have decided against going after Toney given his age, though a recent injury to Rasmus Højlund and fitness concerns regarding new signing Joshua Zirkzee mean they could still make a late move for Toney.
Toney has a £20k-a-week contract at Brentford, which expires next summer. He has also been touted to remain at Brentford given the Bees' own injury issues.
At the time of writing, Toney is valued by Transfermarkt at €50 million (approximately £43 million).
United should sign Toney
United should sign Toney without the availability of their other strikers.
Yes, going after younger players as long-term solutions is vital, but so is getting a solution in the here and now. As Erling Haaland has demonstrated at Man City, and with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea scrambling around for one, out-and-out goal-hunting forwards are important.
Toney would be an ideal mid-to-short-term answer for United's goal-scoring woes up front. He is in his prime years and has so far demonstrated himself to be capable of moving up a level whenever he is given an opportunity.
If a deal can be struck around or under £40 million, United ought to go for him.
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