Ivan Toney to Man United transfer truth as Brentford makes surprise £50m decision

Ivan Toney to Man United transfer truth as Brentford makes surprise £50m decision

Manchester United have been strongly linked with a transfer move for Brentford and England striker Ivan Toney this summer.

Brentford are reportedly resigned to selling Ivan Toney this summer but a move to Manchester United looks to be unlikely.

The England international has made no secret about his intention to depart the Bees since coming back from his betting ban in January.

Toney had stressed he wanted a move to a ‘big club’ who were challenging for Premier League titles after acknowledging that at 28 he had limited chances remaining to make a ‘big move’.

On Sunday, the striker was not named in the Brentford squad that beat Crystal Palace 2-1 and his manager Thomas Frank explained why he was absent.

“A lot of things are going on with Ivan, especially with transfers, there’s a lot of transfer interest,” he said.

“Because of all that, we’ve decided not to include him in the squad. I can’t give too much away the day before.

“Of course, Ivan is a top player, we all know that. He has been fantastic for us for four years but we showed last season we can cope without him.”

Toney had been linked with United due to the Reds only having two recognised strikers in their squad – Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee. However, it appears Toney’s future will lie in Saudi Arabia.

The Times reports Brentford are resigned to the idea of losing Toney with Saudi Pro League club Al Ahli the favourites to complete a deal.

It is believed a fee of £50m will be demanded by the Bees who were understandably reluctant to let their centre-forward leave.

As for United, they are unlikely to make another forward signing this summer. MEN Sport understands the only likely incoming is a central midfielder but a move for PSG’s Manuel Ugarte is being postponed until an existing player, expected to be Scott McTominay, is sold