Manchester United consider summer swoop for England striker

Ivan Toney scored his first goal for England on Tuesday night as the Three Lions drew 2-2 with Belgium at Wembley. It is now being suggested that Manchester United are doing checks on the striker ahead of a potential summer transfer approach.

A transfer away from Brentford has been touted for some time and Toney has made it clear in several interviews that he wants to move to a ‘big club’.

Toney came onto the scene late in his career and, at 28, this summer is likely to be one of the final chances for him to join one of the big clubs in England or beyond.

Since returning from his gambling ban in January, Toney has found the net four times for Thomas Frank’s side. He also scored his first international goal on Tuesday night against Belgium.

According to HITC, United are prepared to make a move for the forward at the end of the season but Brentford are currently demanding £100m for his signature.

That price will need to be negotiated down for United – or any other sensible club – to make a move as I can’t see many willing to spend the majority if not all of their transfer budget on Toney.

With Anthony Martial’s contract set to expire in the summer, United will be left with just one recognised centre-forward. Rasmus Hojlund has plenty of promise and an eye for goal, however, it would do him the world of good to have more competition or even a back-up option on the bench.