‘Would be a shame’ – Gary Neville cannot believe the transfer decision of ‘fantastic’ Man Utd target
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has revealed that Ivan Toney has been left out of the matchday squad to face Crystal Palace today because of some transfer interest.
Manchester United have been constantly linked with Toney, with the club reportedly ready to test Brentford’s stance with the offer of a loan deal with an obligation to buy late in the summer transfer window.
It is unknown which clubs are now currently trying to get Toney, but Thomas claims there is concrete interest in him.
💬 Thomas on Ivan Toney's absence
"There's some transfer interest and because of all that we decided not to involve him today. Ivan is a top player; he's been fantastic for us over four years but we also showed, last year especially, that we can win without him"#BRECRY pic.twitter.com/mdXp6A7eeh— Brentford FC (@BrentfordFC) August 18, 2024
The Bees are still holding out for at least £60 million for the England international striker, a fee which the Red Devils are unwilling to pay given that he is out of contract next summer.
Man United are currently without Rasmus Hojlund due to an injury, with manager Erik ten Hag starting both games this term with Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes as a number nine.
Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to grab the winner against Fulham on Friday night and could be given the chance to start against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.
Toney only bagged four goals in 17 appearances last term after returning from a lengthy ban.
However, his return of 35 goals across the previous campaigns forced England manager Gareth Southgate to take him to the 2024 European Championship.
He provided a crucial assist in the 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the round of 16.
The Red Devils would improve significantly with Toney in their ranks, and it will be intriguing to see if they will look to snap him up in the coming days.