Manchester United are likely to be in the market for a new striker this summer, but the profile targeted is yet to be known.
United needed to sign a striker last summer and many wanted the club to splash out on Harry Kane.
Instead of signing a proven goalscorer like Kane – who ended up at Bayern Munich – United went with an up-and-comer in Rasmus Hojlund.
The Dane has shown real potential this season but there have been difficult times along the way.
It’s easy to forget that Hojlund isn’t even two years removed from playing for Sturm Graz, so throwing him in as United’s leading striker was a bold move.
Hojlund now needs support up top, especially with Anthony Martial on his way out at the end of his contract this summer.
So do United go for a more experienced striker to help Hojlund or another young talent for the future?
That is the decision facing Ineos and co but one more experienced option continues to be linked…
Ivan Toney wants huge wages
The man in question is Ivan Toney with the Brentford striker likely to move on this summer.
Toney returned from a gambling ban in January and has now hit four goals and one assist in 13 Premier League games.
The Mirror claimed just days ago that United are a ‘dark horse’ in the race for Toney.
Arsenal and Chelsea are though to have backed away and Ineos are described as being ready to discuss a move.
The Sun now claim that Toney is making staggering demands over his contract if he does make a move this summer.
It’s stated that Toney wants around £250,000-a-week with his next club, which would make him one of United’s top earners.
Ineos will therefore have plenty to think about.
On the one hand, Toney is a Premier League-proven centre forward who could be the ideal complement to Hojlund whilst also being a homegrown player.
On the other, Toney is already 28 and handing out huge contracts to players who may have already hit their peak.
Gary Neville is a huge fan
One man who may be delighted if United go and sign Toney is Gary Neville.
Speaking on the Gary Neville Podcast in January, Neville stated that Toney is a ‘brilliant player’ and wants to see him play at the highest level.
“There has been big talk around a huge transfer, potentially to Arsenal,” said Neville. “I don’t see it happening personally, at this point in the season but I think that he’s a brilliant player, isn’t he? I hope Brentford keep him for the rest of this season, I hope Ivan Toney plays at the highest level as well, at some point in the near future,” he added.
The former United full back is clearly a huge fan of Toney and there seems to be a real chance of him arriving at Old Trafford this summer.
The transfer fee required may be reasonable to Ineos but the wage demands could be the sticking point, even if the move seems to make sense in so many other ways.