‘Some transfer interest’ – Manager reveals reason for Sunday development on ‘fantastic’ striker Man Utd want | OneFootball

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has revealed that Manchester United target and England international striker Ivan Toney has been left out of the matchday squad to face Crystal Palace today because of some transfer interest.

The Red Devils have been constantly linked with the Bees hitman, with a recent report claiming the Old Trafford club could test the stance of Brentford over him with the offer of a loan deal with an obligation to buy late in the summer transfer window.

It is unknown which clubs are now currently trying to get Toney, but Thomas claims there is concrete interest in him.

“There’s some transfer interest and because of all that we decided not to involve him today,” the Brentford boss revealed.

“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.”

The Bees are still holding out for at least £60 million for the England international striker, a fee which the Red Devils are unwilling to pay given that he is out of contract next summer.

Man United are currently without the services of Denmark international striker Rasmus Hojlund due to an injury, with manager Erik ten Hag starting both games this term with Portuguese midfielder Bruno Fernandes as a number 9.

The Netherlands international forward Joshua Zirkzee came off the bench to grab the winner against Fulham on Friday night and could be given the chance to start against Brighton & Hove Albion on Saturday.

However, Man United could do with additional firepower in attack, and landing Toney would be huge.

While the 28-year-old only bagged four goals in 17 appearances last term, his return of 35 goals across the 2021-22 and 2022-23 campaigns left former England manager Gareth Southgate with no choice but to take him along to the European Championship, where he provided a crucial assist in the 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the round of 16.

The Red Devils will improve significantly on the pitch with someone like that within their ranks, and it will be intriguing to see if they will look to snap him up in the coming days.