Manchester United are reportedly considering a move for Brentford attacker Ivan Toney despite closing in on a deal for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee.
It was widely reported earlier this week that the Red Devils had reached an agreement to sign Zirkzee for a fee of £35m in the coming days.
It is understood that personal terms have been settled between the club and the player, who recently returned from Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.
Zirkzee contributed 12 goals and seven assists as Bologna secured Champions League qualification for next season.
The 23-year-old striker is expected to undergo a medical this week before signing a five-year contract with an option for an additional 12 months at Old Trafford.
© Reuters
Man United seeking additional attacking reinforcements this summer?
Despite the reported imminent arrival of Zirkzee, it seems that United are still looking for additional attacking reinforcements this summer, and according to Bild's Christian Falk, the club have expressed interest in England striker Ivan Toney.
The report adds that the 28-year-old 'wants' a move to Old Trafford this summer and Brentford have already been informed of the player's desire to join the Red Devils by his agent.
Toney, who played a significant role as one of England's penalty shoot-out heroes in their Euro 2024 quarter-final win over Switzerland, has previously expressed his ambition to compete at a club challenging for top domestic and European honours.
With less than a year remaining on his contract, the England international is reportedly uninterested in renewing his deal with the Bees, and his stance may force the club to consider selling him this summer rather than allowing him to leave for free next season.
The striker spent eight months on the sidelines last season due to a ban for breaching betting rules and delivered a mixed bag of form since returning to action in January.
However, in the season before last, he demonstrated his lethal ability by scoring 20 goals in the Premier League for Brentford.
© Reuters
Brentford preparing for Toney summer departure
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has previously suggested that their new £30m signing Igor Thiago is intended to replace Toney, whose departure this summer appears increasingly likely.
When asked about Frank's comments during the BBC's Euro 2024 coverage, Toney responded: "I didn't hear him say that! I can't predict the future and if I could I wouldn't be sat here in front of you guys. What will be will be and my main focus is playing well and doing well for my country.
"I've been through it (transfer speculation) before. There's been lots of talk of me going here, there and everywhere before in my career and I just don't let outside noise get to me."
He added: "I'm here with England now, and the main focus is doing well for England and whatever happens, happens. I can't control it. From 18 when I was supposed to go to Wolves I was all excited and getting involved in all of it, then it didn't happen, it hurt me.
"So since then, I thought, 'Why am I trying to take control of things when I don't need that pressure?' I just let people who take care of those things to do it and I focus on the pitch."
Toney will aim to secure the first major trophy of his career when England face Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 final.
The potential signing of Toney and Zirkzee to partner Rasmus Hojlund would mean that Man United could begin the new season with three strikers in their squad.
