Sir Jim Ratcliffe disagrees with Erik ten Hag on Man United striker target Ivan Toney

Erik ten Hag and Sir Jim Ratcliffe have a difference of opinions when considering a summer move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

Toney, 26, has recently returned from a long-term ban for sports betting and is eying a move away from Brentford at the end of the season.

The centre-forward scored 21 goals, registered five assists in just 35 games last season, and is already on two Premier League goals after just three appearances this term.

However, despite the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur on red alert ahead of the summer, it has been reported by Jeremy Cross that the INEOS-led team at Old Trafford will refuse to get drawn into a summer bidding war for Toney.

It was added that Ten Hag is ‘keen’ to land a top-class forward to boost United’s frontline next season and Toney fits the bill. Rasmus Højlund is currently the only fit natural no.9 at the club.

Those at United are concerned at reports claiming Brentford would want around £100 million for the 26-year-old.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe does not believe Toney is worth the astronomical price tag and instead values the forward closer to the £70 million mark, the report continued.

Ten Hag displayed frustration when the United hierarchy denied him the chance to sign a stop-gap striker in the January transfer window following Anthony Martial’s surgery setback.

“I think it’s not a secret that I wanted a striker extra because with the injury to Martial, we don’t really have backup there,” the United boss said.

“It was not possible because we have to match the FFP rules. We have Omari [Forson], we have Amad Diallo, or course we have [Marcus] Rashford who can play there. The rest of the positions are occupied but we have to be a little bit creative in the No. 9 position.”

Ratcliffe and INEOS are expecting their stake in the Old Trafford club to finally be ratified in the coming days after their Christmas Eve announcement around six weeks ago.