Manchester United discover two obstacles after initiating Ivan Toney pursuit

Manchester United have reportedly opened talks about a deal for Brentford striker Ivan Toney, but there remain two clear obstacles.

The Reds have made two signings so far this summer in Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro. The Dutch striker provides important support for Rasmus Højlund.

Zirkzee, 23, is also considered by the club as a versatile forward player and reports have suggested that they could go back into the market for another striker at some point.

Ivan Toney has been linked with an Old Trafford move this summer and it looks increasingly likely that Brentford want to sell him.

A new report from Give Me Sport has explained that United have held talks over making a move for the 28-year-old England international, but there are two things needed in order for a deal to be struck.

Firstly, it was detailed that United would consider a potential deal if Brentford’s asking price dropped below £40 million. He was originally priced at around £60 million, but there has been limited interest in his signature.

Also, the report stated that Brentford are unable to meet Toney’s wage demands even if they wanted him to stay, with the striker looking for a contract worth up to £250,000-per-week at a new club.

While Toney has been an impressive Premier League striker in recent years, INEOS would likely not want to bow down to such wage demands for the player, especially when you already have Zirkzee and Højlund at the club.

Interestingly, the report concluded that Toney is refusing to rule out the possibility of remaining with the Bees for another season, as he would then become a free agent in the following summer.

Toney has scored 36 times in his 85 appearances in the Premier League so far. He was included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer.

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