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Manchester United have surprisingly joined the race for Ivan Toney ahead of this summer’s deadline day, as per reports.
Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Manuel Ugarte is currently in Manchester to undergo medical tests and become United’s fifth signing of the summer.
With Ugarte’s arrival, the club’s hierarchy have strengthened the Red Devils’ midfield, having already addressed their attack and defence by handing Erik ten Hag Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui.
However, it appears the club’s hierarchy are exploring an opportunity to further boost United’s attack before the summer window shuts.
According to The Standard, the Mancunian giants have “held initial talks” over a “late deal” for Ivan Toney.
The Englishman, who raised plenty of eyebrows by bagging 21 Premier League goals during the 2022/23 campaign, has entered the final year of his contract at Brentford.
Toney is understood to have informed Brentford he has no desire to extend his stay with the Bees, who have demanded £50m all summer to sanction their star striker’s exit.
However, considering this is perhaps the last window in which they would be able to bag any significant fee for the 28-year-old, Brentford face “being forced to settle” for a deal way below their initial asking price.
The situation has seemingly provided several clubs, including United and Chelsea, a great opportunity in the final days of the summer window.
The source claims that United have been engaged in “preliminary” negotiations with the West London outfit. However, they are yet to submit any formal offer for Toney.
Further, it is believed the England international is focusing on securing a move to Chelsea. Brentford, meanwhile, are hoping for a bidding war that may help them secure around £40m for their talisman.
In Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund, Ten Hag already has two highly-rated strikers at his disposal. As such, it will be interesting to see how much effort, if any, INEOS would make for a third senior number nine before Friday’s deadline day.
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2024-08-28 09:59:06
