Manchester United may have to stump up at least £60m to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
Speaking on the United Stand YouTube channel, Romano said that Toney’s price tag will have come down due to his contract situation but his club may still hold out for a rather sizeable fee:
“Brentford don’t want to indicate any price. They still keep repeating what they said in January: £100m. So, obviously, I don’t think it’s going to be [anything] like that. I think as soon as a club will arrive there and try to negotiate, in my opinion, it’s not the news, it’s going to be something around £60m or something like that. Let’s see what Brentford will decide to do”
Toney is believed to be on the Manchester club’s list of options to strengthen up front but no final decision has been made on whether to pursue the England international. The cost of the transfer could well be an influential factor.
United are keen on recruiting another forward
Romano has also confirmed that RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko is on the club’s radar but there are a number of complications that may stop a move to Old Trafford from happening.
Arsenal and Chelsea are pursuing the Slovenian international too, while Leipzig are currently in negotiations with the player to change his release clause which currently stands at €65m (£55.6m).
Toney has plenty of suitors
Like Sesko, the Brentford striker does have Premier League rivals pursuing him, including West Ham and Tottenham, but United could well be the favourites if they choose to go after the 28-year-old.
If Romano’s estimate on his valuation is correct, Toney may also end up as the cheaper of the two options. For now, though, the Red Devils haven’t settled on a primary target.
