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Manchester United’s forward line was bolstered ahead of the new season with the club announcing the signing of Joshua Zirkzee but the deal might signal the end of their pursuit of another striker.
Ivan Toney, long linked with a move to the Theatre of Dreams, is unlikely to be pursued at this stage following the arrival of the Netherlands international.
The Brentford star, whose contract ends next summer, is open to a move but at this stage, considering United’s limited budget, a swoop does not seem realistic as per The Daily Mail.
“Brentford star Ivan Toney is not currently viewed by Manchester United as a realistic signing this summer. Toney has a year remaining on his current deal with the Bees and talks over a new contract have not taken place.
Toney signing currently unrealistic
“Reports had claimed that Man United are interested in signing the forward as the club looks to strengthen Erik ten Hag’s attacking options.
“Mail Sport understands Toney is not viewed as realistic at this stage, with Man United having announced the signing of Joshua Zirkzee on Sunday.”
The Bees are likely to demand £50-£60 million for the English striker and United would need to sell quite a few attacking stars in order to free up enough funds for an approach.
“Following the arrival of Zirkzee, Man United are unlikely to move for another striker in the window unless there are significant departures from the forward line.” the report added.
Will INEOS return?
Last season the 20-time English league champions scored the joint-least goals among the top-10 teams in the English top-flight and it looked like Erik ten Hag was over-reliant on Rasmus Hojlund.
INEOS has decided to splash the cash to land Zirkzee but whether he can be effective in his new home and adapt to the far more physical and faster league remains to be seen.
Toney, who is currently with the national team at the Euros, is Premier League-proven, something that attracts the new co-owners. But they are currently prioritising the backline.
It remains to be seen if the club will actually return with quite a few clubs hot on the Englishman’s heels.
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