Manchester United are reportedly having second thoughts about signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the upcoming summer transfer window, according to GIVEMESPORT sources. The Red Devils have struggled for goals during the 2023/24 season and were initially considering Toney as a potential solution. However, after conducting further research on the England international, United now have ‘reservations’ about pursuing the transfer.
Toney has enjoyed an impressive season since returning from an eight-month suspension for breaking gambling rules. The 28-year-old has scored 36 goals and registered ten assists in 81 Premier League appearances. His contract at Brentford expires in just over 12 months, leading to speculation that the Bees may want to cash in on him now rather than risk losing him for free in 2025.
In November 2023, Sky Sports reported that Arsenal and Chelsea were interested in signing Toney. However, our sources now understand that the Gunners’ interest has cooled, and they are no longer considering him as a target. Toney had been seen as an upgrade on Gabriel Jesus but is unlikely to make the switch to the Emirates Stadium.
It is unclear whether Chelsea still considers Toney a summer target. The Blues must raise profits in the early days of the window to comply with the Premier League’s profit and sustainability regulations. According to GMS sources, Toney is said to demand wages of £250,000 per week, which is £10,000 more than skipper Bruno Fernandes earns on a weekly basis.
Tottenham Hotspur have also had ‘some interest’ in Toney, but any move would depend on Brentford’s price and whether they believe his personality would fit with the rest of the squad. Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano recently told GIVEMESPORT that Erik ten Hag’s future at Manchester United is in jeopardy after a series of poor results and performances. A humiliating FA Cup semi-final defeat to Coventry City, in which United surrendered a 3-0 lead, may have sealed ten Hag’s fate. The Red Devils are also set to miss out on Champions League football next season, further increasing the pressure on ten Hag.
