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Manchester United are pulling out all the stops to bolster their attacking lineup this summer ahead of the new season.
In what has been the club’s first major move this transfer window, United have reportedly agreed a €42.5 million deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
This deal will see the Dutch forward sign a contract until 2029 with an option for another year. He is expected to complete his medical at Old Trafford on Friday.
While this in indeed a major boost to United’s attacking options, the club are still in need of further signings in order to build up squad depth to effectively compete across the Premier League, League Cup, FA Cup, and the Europa League. As such, Zirkzee may not be the only striker that they sign ahead of the new season.
One Premier League ace who has been linked with a move to Old Trafford is Brentford star striker Ivan Toney.
Although it was previously reported that United deemed Brentford’s £50-£60 million valuation of Toney excessive, it appears as if this factor was not enough to dissuade the club from continuing to pursue the England striker.
Three days ago, The Peoples Person relayed that United have engaged in internal talks with representatives of Toney along with those of Everton counterpart Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Now, it appears as if United are pushing through with their pursuit of the Brentford and England ace.
The Telegraph reported that although the signing of Zirkzee may be sealed, United maintain their interest in Toney.
“The England striker has entered the final 12 months of his contract at Brentford and could present an opportunity depending on his price tag,” the newspaper remarked.
This suggests United may have some leverage in negotiations given that Brentford would likely want to avoid allowing their club talisman to leave on a free next summer should his current contract lapse without a renewed agreement.
Although The Telegraph insists that Calvert-Lewin remains of interest to United, particularly as he has entered the final year of his contract as well, his troubling injury record over the years may dissuade Erik ten Hag from pursuing a deal, particularly after the injury crisis faced by the club over the course of the past season.
United would do well to use the knowledge of Toney’s contractual situation to pursue a discounted deal for the player, particularly if they can begin negotiations with Brentford before competing clubs jump on the bandwagon.
After all, with only Hojlund remaining from United’s existing striker lineup, the likes of Toney and Zirkzee would be critical to ensuring that United have the firepower up front that they need to compete for silverware next season.
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