Manchester United transfer news as Ivan Toney emerges back on to United's striker shortlist this summer
Ivan Toney
Manchester United have been linked with Ivan Toney
(Image: Getty Images)
Ivan Toney has emerged as a candidate to join Manchester United this summer after reports linked the Al-Ahli striker with a move to Old Trafford.
The England international left the Premier League at the end of the 2023/24 campaign to switch to the Saudi Pro League. A fee believed to be around £40million was agreed with Brentford after United, Chelsea and Arsenal were all interested.
Toney scored 30 goals in 44 games in Saudi Arabia last season and is enjoying life with Al-Ahli. However, a return to England has been mooted in recent weeks, with United understood to be keen.
Ruben Amorim is keen to add a striker to his squad this summer after already completing the signing of Matheus Cunha. Bryan Mbeumo, Toney's former teammate, is expected to follow him through the door with a third bid anticipated.
Reports at the end of June insisted that United had contacted Toney's representatives to seek conditions over a move to Old Trafford with a bid worth £30m being considered.
Now, it has been claimed that United have been watching Toney for some time and a move is now a possibility. Former chief scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that the club are considering a move.
"Toney is an interesting one for United," he said. "Whatever you say about him, he’s got a proven track record of scoring goals in the Premier League. He’s gone out to Saudi Arabia and continued scoring goals.
“Man United have been watching him, my sources tell me, and they think he is still capable of playing at the top level, plus he’s not even 30 yet so he’s got years left in him.
Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney(Image: PA)
“He’s one they’ve liked for a while, even when he was at Brentford, so it might be a surprise to see them interested again but there aren’t a lot of strikers of his level available. From what I’m told, he would be interested in a return to the Premier League.
“He might have to take a cut from what he’s getting paid out there, but he wants to play at the highest level and United could give him that chance. They see him as a definite upgrade on what they’ve got, so it’s a possibility.”
United have been heavily linked with a move for Viktor Gyokeres this summer, but it's widely expected that the Sporting CP striker will snub reuniting with Amorim at Old Trafford in favour of joining Arsenal.
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