Manchester United will not make a move for Brentford’s Ivan Toney this summer, according to Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg.
It was reported last week that the Red Devils were still weighing up a bid for the England international, along with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin, but Plettenberg posted on X to say that Erik ten Hag’s side are now focused on other targets:
🚨🔴 Despite other rumors, Manchester United currently does not plan to sign Ivan #Toney!
No concrete talks or negotiations about a deal with the 28 y/o striker from Brentford at this stage. ManUtd have other plans and are focused on other targets.
A transfer of Toney to #MUFC… pic.twitter.com/iXuUR7Eroi
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) July 29, 2024
It must be said that, after splashing out €42.5m (£35.8m) on Joshua Zirkzee, bidding £50m to £60m for Toney never looked that likely.
If the 28-year-old does leave Brentford before the transfer window closes, a switch to West Ham, Tottenham or even Chelsea seems much more plausible.
What are United’s plans for the rest of the summer?
The club have prioritised the signing of a new right-back. They have been locked in talks with Bayern Munich for Noussair Mazraoui but the deal is dependent on Aaron Wan-Bissaka being sold first.
In terms of other positions, ten Hag is keen to recruit another holding midfielder following the decision not to retain the services of Sofyan Amrabat, who has returned to Fiorentina after his loan spell.
Paris Saint-Germain’s Manuel Ugarte is believed to be the favoured target but the Uruguayan international’s asking price is nearly £60m. A cheaper alternative may need to be considered.
United are still hoping to recruit another centre-back even after signing Leny Yoro from Lille, but they have failed to find an agreement on a transfer fee for Bayern’s Matthijs de Ligt.
