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INEOS have wasted little time in improving the Manchester United squad this summer window with two incomings already in the bag.
Leny Yoro’s acquisition was a huge surprise considering Real Madrid’s presence in the race. The Frenchman’s arrival has already seen the team play a much higher line and Erik ten Hag will be hoping to see more from the team especially once Lisandro Martinez slots in at the back.
Up front, the Dutch manager was forced to rely heavily on Rasmus Hojlund last term and while the Dane did end his debut season as the club’s top-scorer, he was clearly overplayed and he needs help moving forward.
Joshua Zirkzee’s signing is expected to address that with the Dutch star capable of playing in multiple positions, something that should help with tactical flexibility.
United still looking for a clinical striker
Both are young forwards who love dropping deep to link up play and are not particularly known as clinical goal-poachers and hence, the Red Devils are open to bringing in an out-and-out No 9 this window.
The club have been internally discussing the prospect of going after Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton and Brentford’s Ivan Toney but the Bees star’s valuation meant a deal was unlikely.
Now Givemesport have claimed that the 20-time English league champions could re-enter the race should the England international’s asking price drop below £40 million.
Toney is the perfect target man inside the box, capable of playing with his back-to-goal and having the ability to score scruffy goals and be a penalty box menace, something United’s young forwards do not have in their armoury at present.
The London club were initially asking for a mammoth £100 million, something they were unlikely to receive from any club. With the 28-year-old entering the final year of his contract, Thomas Frank’s side are under pressure to recoup a sizeable fee from his sale instead of allowing him to leave on a free.
Toney is demanding £250,000-per-week if he is to move clubs while he is currently on £20,000-per-week at the Gtech Community Stadium. Brentford are unlikely to ever come close to matching the striker’s ambitions.
“Manchester United could offer Ivan Toney the opportunity to seal a move to Old Trafford despite the Brentford star seeking a significant pay increase if he embarks on a fresh challenge ahead of the summer transfer window slamming shut next month, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.
Toney still being eyed
“Manchester United could consider heading to the negotiating table for Toney if his price tag drops below £40million, according to GMS sources. The striker has entered the final 12 months of his £20,000-per-week agreement.
“GMS sources have been informed that Toney is looking for a contract worth up to £250,000-per-week at a new club, and Manchester United have held talks over making a move for his signature.”
The player has also not ruled out staying back at his current club and then sealing a move to his desired club as a free agent, something that would help him get the best possible deal as clubs will not have to worry about the transfer fee.
Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli has emerged as United’s biggest challengers for Toney’s services and it will be interesting to see how this race unfolds as the window progresses.
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