Manchester United make ‘huge offer’ for Brentford’s Ivan Toney, Sir Jim Ratcliffe isn’t messing about

The future of striker Ivan Toney will be a major topic this summer, and it seems Manchester United have made an initial offer to Brentford for the prolific forward.

The 28-year-old will have a year left on his contract with the Bees this summer, meaning the London club risks losing Toney for nothing if he does not sign a new deal.

In January, Toney returned to action after being suspended for eight months by the FA for multiple breaches of its betting rules. Since his return, Toney has scored four goals in 16 games and netted his first goal for England on his second cap for the national team. Toney is in contention for Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer, and it remains uncertain if he will want his future resolved before or after the tournament.

One team interested in Toney’s services and in need of reinforcements in the striking department is Manchester United, who have had limited options in that area. Rasmus Hojlund has been the only fit striker for much of the season, with Anthony Martial injured, and Erik ten Hag’s side unable to bring in more forwards last summer or in the January transfer window.

This summer will also be the first under the partial ownership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS firm, which holds a 25% minority share in the club and oversees its football operations.

Reports suggest United have started making moves in the transfer market with Toney as a target. According to Teamtalk, referring to reports in Spain, United are said to have “presented an initial offer close to €70m (£60m) to Brentford” for Toney’s services.

Though there is potential for Brentford to receive around £60m for a player who could leave for free in just over a year’s time, the club is reportedly not inclined to accept the first offer they receive. United may have to explore other forms of negotiation to reduce the cost.

Time will tell where Toney will be playing next season and beyond, but whichever club secures his services will gain a proven Premier League goalscorer and a boost to their attacking potential.