Manchester United are reportedly set to discuss a summer swoop for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, a surprising deviation from the club’s expected transfer strategy under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership. The Red Devils have prioritised a new striker at the end of the season, and Toney has emerged as an appealing option to provide Rasmus Hojlund with competition.
Ratcliffe is still piecing together his new-look recruitment team at Old Trafford after inheriting total control over football operations from the Glazer family in February.
United’s director of player negotiations, Matt Hargreaves, is leading planning for the summer while Ratcliffe pushes to complete best-in-class appointments to helm his project.
According to the Mirror, the Red Devils have emerged as shock contenders in the race to recruit Toney, who is preparing to leave Brentford later this year.
As he enters the final 12 months of his current contract, the 28-year-old reportedly could be available for as little as £40million, a significant drop from his £100m valuation in January.
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And it’s claimed that United’s incoming leadership figures will discuss the opportunity to capture Toney when the transfer window opens.
Omar Berrada has been confirmed as the club’s new chief executive and will leave Manchester City to commence his role this summer.
Jason Wilcox is expected to arrive as technical director at the start of May once United agree on a compensation package with Southampton.
Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave by Newcastle United after United approached him for the sporting director position, with discussions proving tricky.
But football director John Murtough’s exit earlier this week indicates face-to-face talks between Ratcliffe and Amanda Staveley edged Ashworth’s timely arrival closer.
Ratcliffe is reportedly keen to focus on younger players with high potential as part of overhauling United’s unsuccessful strategy of the last decade.
However, Toney has flourished into one of the Premier League’s top strikers since Brentford’s promotion. Only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane scored more than his 20-goal tally last season.
Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with the England international, who returned from an eight-month ban after breaching betting rules earlier this year.
But the report adds that Arsenal have cooled their interest, while Chelsea have alternative striker targets higher on their summer shortlist, potentially clear the way for United.
Anthony Martial will leave the club when his contract expires in July, leaving a move for a new striker to reinforce Erik ten Hag’s attacking firepower almost certain.
