Manchester United are reportedly not considering making a move for Brentford forward Ivan Toney in the latter stages of the transfer window despite the recent speculation.
Toney was left out of the Brentford squad for Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace, with Bees head coach Thomas Frank admitting that "there's some transfer interest" in the England international.
"There's some transfer interest and because of all that we decided not to involve him today," Frank told reporters ahead of the clash with Palace.
"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."
Man United are among the clubs to be linked with Toney, as the Red Devils are thought to be considering moving for another forward before the end of the transfer window, with Jadon Sancho potentially on his way out.
![England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/ivan-toney.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]")
© Imago
Man United 'not planning' Toney approach
However, according to German journalist Florian Plettenberg, Man United are 'not considering' an approach for Toney before the end of the market.
Plettenberg claims that the strongest interest is coming from Saudi Arabia, with the Englishman potentially leaving the Premier League behind to make a lucrative switch to the Saudi Pro League.
After Brentford's 2-1 win over Palace, Frank told reporters: "Various things going on with Ivan, especially with transfer rumours. Because of all that we decided not to involve him. (Decision was made) by the club and me on Thursday.
"There's a lot of things (going on) that's why we decided (not to include him in the squad). Ivan is on board, so no problem. Ivan is a top player and has been one of our best players over a long spell.
"We saw last year like with any good player one day they will leave the club and someone else needs to step up and do well. Every single time Ivan hasn't played [Yoane] Wissa has stepped up."
© Reuters
Has Toney played his last game for Brentford?
When asked whether Toney had played his final game for Brentford, Frank said: "You never know. I've been in football long enough that you never what's going to happen in the future."
Chelsea and Arsenal have also been credited with an interest in Toney, but Al-Ahli are believed to be at the head of the queue for his services.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, Toney has made it clear that he wants a salary of over €20m (£17m) a year to make the switch to Saudi Arabia.
Man United currently only have one centre-forward available for selection, with new signing Joshua Zirkzee scoring on his debut against Fulham on Friday night to hand Erik ten Hag's side a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford.
Rasmus Hojlund, who has been handed the number nine shirt for the 2024-25 campaign, picked up a muscular injury during pre-season, and the Denmark international will be absent until at least the middle of September.
Matt Law
