Brentford striker Ivan Toney is currently serving an eight month FA ban for breaching betting regulations, but that has not stopped Manchester United from expressing their interest in the player.
It is believed that the ban has prevented Toney from moving to a top club this summer, but there is plenty of interest in acquiring his services (so long as he promises to stay away from the bookies).
Manchester United signed Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund this season, but it’s no secret that Erik ten Hag needs to sign more strikers. The manager cannot rely on Anthony Martial to stay fit but the Frenchman could start against Nottingham Forest this weekend.
It was far from ideal that Hojlund arrived to United with a back injury, and he has yet to make his debut as a result.
Even if he returns and has a stellar season, Ten Hag will be monitoring the market to add depth to his striker department in the coming transfer windows. Maybe even as early as January when Toney’s ban ends.
According to the Daily Mail, United are not the only Premier League club keen on a move for the centre forward midway through the season. Two other clubs are mentioned, including Chelsea and Tottenham, so the Reds can expect competition for Toney’s signature .
The Times claim Brentford want £80 million for Toney, and it’s worth noting that Peterborough will get a cut of the transfer fee when the 27-year-old is sold. That means the Bees will want most, if not all, of that money up front.
Toney has improved his chances of getting a move to a big club by signing a deal to join renowned sports management firm CAA Stellar.
Speaking about his decision to join CAA Stellar, who will represent the striker during his pending move, Toney said: “It is very timely for me to be joining CAA Stellar. It feels like a fresh beginning.
“Never underestimate the power you have to take your life in a new direction.”
CAA Stellar executive chairman Jonathan Barnett, who also represents United left-back Luke Shaw, said: “I am very excited that we have signed Ivan. He is a great talent and I am sure this is the beginning of a fantastic future for him.”
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