Manchester United 'still interested in a summer deal for Ivan Toney'

Manchester United are reportedly still interested in signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer.

The Red Devils will be in the market for a big-money centre-forward ahead of the 2022-23 campaign, but it is likely that more than one attacker will arrive, as Anthony Martial is set to depart, while Wout Weghorst's loan deal from Burnley is not expected to make permanent.

According to Football Insider, Man United are 'big admirers' of Toney, who has been in excellent form for Brentford this season, scoring 20 goals and registering five assists in 32 appearances.

Nineteen of Toney's goals this season have come in the Premier League, with his latest effort coming against Aston Villa in Saturday's 1-1 draw.

The Red Devils are believed to be keen to launch a summer move but are concerned by the lengthy ban that the forward could receive as part of the investigation into his breach of Football Association betting rules.

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Toney is facing a lengthy ban after being charged with 232 breaches of betting rules in November of last year, in addition to a further 30 in December.

The forward has accepted some of the offences but is believed to be contesting others, and he could be suspended for a long period once the case has been settled.

Man United are believed to be wary of launching a bid for Toney and then finding out that he could be banned for a number of months during the 2023-24 campaign.

Brentford are thought to value the forward in the region of £50m, with Chelsea and Newcastle United also believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation.

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Toney made the move to the Bees from Peterborough United in 2020, and he has represented the club on 121 occasions in all competitions, scoring 67 goals and registering 21 assists in the process.

In the Premier League, the forward now has 31 goals and nine assists in 65 appearances, while he made his debut for England in their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine at the end of March.

Man United are also believed to be keen to sign a new right-back, centre-back and central midfielder during this summer's transfer window, but the club's plans are currently on hold due to their ownership situation.

The Glazer family are in talks over a sale, with Sheikh Jassim bin Hamad Al Thani and Sir Jim Ratcliffe viewed as the favourites to purchase the club.

However, there remain suggestions that the Glazers could ultimately refuse a full sale and instead bring in investment, with a number of parties in the mix.