Manchester United have reportedly moved to the head of the queue for Brentford forward Ivan Toney.
The England international is widely expected to leave the Bees during this summer's transfer window, and Arsenal and Chelsea had seemingly been the favourites to secure his signature.
However, Arsenal's interest is believed to have cooled in recent weeks, while Chelsea are thought to be looking at alternative options on the market, with the Blues also bidding to improve their attack this summer.
According to The Mirror, Man United have moved into a strong position to sign Toney, who only has a contract with Thomas Frank's side until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.
The report claims that the Red Devils view the 28-year-old as the ideal striker to complement Rasmus Hojlund, who has taken on a leading role in the team this season due to Anthony Martial's fitness problems.
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Man United emerge as the favourites to sign Toney?
Toney was in excellent form for Brentford during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 21 times in 35 appearances in all competitions, with 20 of those goals coming in the Premier League.
Meanwhile, the forward has four goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season since returning from a betting-related suspension.
Brentford are expected to sell the Englishman this summer, although their head coach Frank has dismissed claims that the striker could be available for around £30m.
"Normally I don't go into these price labels, but I would say that's very cheap for a 20-goal goalscorer in the Premier League," the Brentford boss told reporters during his press conference at the end of last week.
Toney made the move to Brentford from Peterborough United in September 2020, and he has represented his current side on 137 occasions, scoring 72 times and registering 22 assists.
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Would Toney be a good signing for Man United?
Toney has proven himself in the Premier League, scoring 36 times and registering 10 assists in 79 appearances for Brentford in the competition.
There had been talk of a huge price tag earlier this year, but it does appear that has now fallen, and the striker could be available for a very reasonable fee this summer considering his quality.
Man United need to be careful that they do not sign a striker who will impact the progress of Hojlund, with the Dane showing plenty of positive signs during his first season at the club.
Toney's leadership skills and game intelligence could make him the ideal acquisition for Man United this summer, and he caused the Red Devils all sorts of issues in the recent Premier League game in West London.
Much will spend on the price tag, but if Toney is available for around £40m, then it would certainly be a worthwhile signing for a Man United side that need to add a number of players to their squad this summer.
Matt Law
