Manchester United looking to sign Ivan Toney on loan with option to buy deal

The Bees are demanding a large sum for their star striker.

Manchester United are contemplating making a loan offer for Brentford striker Ivan Toney with an option to buy late in the transfer window.

Following an injury to Rasmus Hojlund, who is set to be out for a good amount of time on the sidelines, and new signing Joshua Zirkzee not being fully fit, missing United’s pre-season, United could be without a striker in their inaugural 2024-25 Premier League game.

The club are now looking to add Ivan Toney. Toney has been valued at around £60 million by the Bees. United don’t want to pay this big sum for a player who will be out of contract next summer.

However, if Brentford fail to sell Toney this summer they could be in danger of losing their star striker for free next summer. United’s offer to sign the player on loan with an obligation to buy could keep both parties happy.

Erik ten Hag will be in a big dilemma as he won’t have a natural striker for their opening Premier League game. He could use Bruno Fernandes as No.9. The midfielder was deployed in a similar position in United’s defeat to Manchester City in FA Community Shield.

However, Ten Hag won’t be able to continue using the midfielder as a striker as the club will need someone who can pull the strings from the middle of the pitch as well.

Toney will be a big scoop for the club given the player’s quality and his Premier League experience. Additionally, he will provide healthy competition to both young strikers for the starting spot.

Toney who returned to action this January was banned for eight months from playing football after alleged breaches of Premier League betting rules. Despite not playing often last season he was called up to the England squad for Euro 2024.

Personal terms won’t be a problem for United as Toney will be keen on playing for a top club this season who can challenge for trophies.

United have been active in the transfer window. They have spent around £155m on Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. The club are further looking to add a midfielder and a striker. Once those objectives are achieved it could prove to be a decent transfer window for them under new ownership.

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