Man Utd show strong interest in Ivan Toney as they look to trump Tottenham in striker race

Manchester United are reportedly showing strong interest in signing Al-Ahli striker Ivan Toney, according to Caught Offside. The Red Devils are prioritising a new striker in January after Benjamin Sesko's fitness problems, but face competition from Tottenham Hotspur, Everton and Newcastle United for the 30-year-old Englishman.

  • Main target: Ivan Toney (Al-Ahli, 30 years old)
  • Interested clubs: Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Newcastle United
  • Reason for United move: Benjamin Sesko's recent fitness problems have forced United to prioritise a new striker in January
  • Preferred deal type: Loan or cheap experienced option, not an expensive young No.9
  • Alternative targets: Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins
  • Player's stance: Open to a Premier League return but currently happy in the Middle East

Deal details

According to Caught Offside, Manchester United are showing strong interest in signing Ivan Toney. The report states that United will have to overcome stiff competition for the striker, with Everton, Newcastle United and Tottenham also in the race. No fee has been mentioned, and any move would likely be a loan or a cheap experienced option as United do not want to buy an expensive young No.9.

Toney is currently at Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League and is said to be open to returning to the Premier League, although he is currently happy in the Middle East. Al-Ahli have not commented on the speculation.

Injury and availability

Manchester United's need for a striker has been accelerated by Benjamin Sesko's recent fitness problems. The nature of the injury is not specified, but it has led United to prioritise signing a new striker in January.

Alternative targets

United initially identified Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a serious target, but Leeds United are close to extending his deal. As a result, Michael Carrick's side have cooled their interest in him. The Red Devils have now lined up Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins as potential alternative options to Toney.

The numbers

  • Ivan Toney's 2022/23 Premier League season with Brentford: 21 goals and 5 assists in 35 appearances
  • Debut season in Saudi Pro League (2024): 30 goals and 5 assists across all competitions
  • Last season: 40 goals and 11 assists in 48 appearances in all tournaments
  • This season so far: 13 goals and 2 assists in 14 matches across all competitions
  • Trophies with Al-Ahli: Two AFC Champions League Elite titles and one Saudi Super Cup

Why Manchester United see Toney as the solution

Ivan Toney is a Premier League-proven striker who has continued to score prolifically in the Saudi Pro League. His record of 21 goals and 5 assists in the 2022/23 campaign for Brentford demonstrates his ability to deliver in England's top flight. Since moving to Al-Ahli in 2024, he has scored 30 goals and provided 5 assists in his debut season, followed by an impressive 40 goals and 11 assists last season. This season, he already has 13 goals and 2 assists in 14 matches. At 30, he is at the prime stage of his career and could be a shrewd short-term acquisition for United.

Manchester United's need for a striker is urgent. Benjamin Sesko's fitness problems have forced the club to prioritise signing a new forward in January. The club's preference for a loan or cheap experienced option rather than an expensive young No.9 makes Toney an attractive proposition. However, United face competition from Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle, all of whom are also in the race. Tottenham, in particular, decided to reinforce the striker position by signing Omar Marmoush this summer, but the Egyptian isn't a natural striker and likes to be deployed in a withdrawn role. This could give United an edge if they can offer Toney a clear starting role.

United have also lined up Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins as alternative options. Their initial target, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, is close to extending his deal with Leeds United, leading United to cool their interest. The Red Devils will need to act quickly to secure one of their targets, with the January window approaching.

Talking points

  • Is Ivan Toney, at 30, the right short-term fix for Manchester United, or should they invest in a younger striker for the long term?
  • Tottenham signed Omar Marmoush this summer, but he isn't a natural striker. Does that make them more desperate for Toney, or less likely to pursue him?
  • United's alternatives, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins, are both proven Premier League scorers. Are they actually better options than Toney?
  • With Everton and Newcastle also in the race, can United convince Toney to choose Old Trafford over other Premier League clubs?

What happens next

Manchester United will continue to monitor Ivan Toney's situation and assess their options ahead of the January transfer window. The club's priority is to sign a striker, and they will need to decide whether to pursue Toney or turn to alternatives like Jean-Philippe Mateta or Ollie Watkins. With competition from Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle, United may need to move quickly to secure their target. The coming weeks will reveal whether Al-Ahli are willing to sanction a loan or cheap deal for their prolific forward.

Frequently asked questions

Is Manchester United signing Ivan Toney?

Manchester United are showing strong interest in signing Ivan Toney, according to Caught Offside, but no deal has been agreed and they face competition from Tottenham, Everton and Newcastle.

Why do Manchester United want a new striker?

United are prioritising signing a new striker in January following Benjamin Sesko's recent fitness problems.

What are Manchester United's alternative striker targets?

United have lined up Jean-Philippe Mateta and Ollie Watkins as potential alternatives if they cannot sign Ivan Toney.

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