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Manchester United's rebuild is set to continue, and Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney is reportedly set to be their latest attacking target. Joshua Zirkzee has arrived from Serie A side Bologna, but INEOS aren't stopping there to bolster Erik ten Hag's frontline.
BILD's Christian Falk reports that the Red Devils are interested in Toney and that his agent has informed the Bees he wants the move. The 28-year-old English forward is away at Euro 2024 with the Three Lions.
Toney played a key role in England's 2-1 comeback win (a.e.t) against Slovakia in the last 16. He came off the bench to set Harry Kane up for the winner as Gareth Southgate's men eventually marched on to the final in Germany.
Manchester United signed Rasmus Hojlund, 21, last summer and have captured Zirkzee, 23, from Bologna. Ten Hag could have an exciting trio of forwards to select from if the Red Devils also swoop for Toney.
The Athletic reports that Brentford value Toney at £60 million but there is a belief that can be negotiated down to £40 million. He has a year left on his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Toney is one of the Premier League's most prolific frontmen, having bagged 36 goals and 11 assists in 85 games since the Bees' 2021 promotion. He finished third in the 2022-23 Golden Boot race behind Kane and Erling Haaland.
"He'd only get better" - Dion Dublin urged Manchester United to sign Ivan Toney
Toney has catapulted himself into superstardom since Brentford's promotion to the Premier League. He's put in several eye-catching performances, including a brace in a 2-1 win against Manchester City in November 2022.
The 6ft1in striker has given defenders nightmares with his dominance in the air, quick feet, and unpredictability. He's also a superb set-piece specialist, as demonstrated by his spot-kick in England's 5-3 penalty shootout win against Switzerland in the quarterfinals at Euro 2024.
Former Manchester United frontman Dion Dublin is a huge admirer of Toney and advised the Red Devils to target him. He felt he fit the profile of forward that Ten Hag likes, telling William Hill last year:
"In my opinion he is good enough to go and play for Manchester United, and I think he’d only get better if he went there.‘Erik ten Hag likes a big striker and they need a proven goal-scorer so maybe they should take a look at Ivan Toney.
Hojlund showed promise during his debut season at Old Trafford, scoring 16 goals in 43 games across competitions. The Dane came in and out of form amid a frustrating season for United as a whole.
Zirkzee has been added to Ten Hag's attack, but he's not overly a prolific goalscorer. The Dutchman will add versatility and a unique profile, having managed 14 goals in 58 games for Bologna, playing up top, out wide, and as a second striker.
