Comment: Manchester United have been linked with a move for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, but Ivan Toney should be a huge priority for Old Trafford recruitment chiefs.
Manchester United have been strongly linked with a swoop for Brentford goalkeeper David Raya, but his club team-mate Ivan Toney could represent a better signing for Erik ten Haag this summer, provided the striker is not banned Have gone The Red Devils are one of a number of clubs monitoring the Spaniard’s contract status in west London as Raya enters the final 18 months of his deal at the GTech Community Stadium.
United believe Raya could be a long-term successor to David de Gea at Old Trafford as they consider offering their current number 1 a new deal.
The lack of stiff competition between positions has seen De Gea become comfortable under Erik ten Haag and it is clear why United are prioritizing the signing of a new goalkeeper this summer.
Nonetheless, with Ten Haag an even more priority position is centre-forward, who could prove to be the final piece of the puzzle, with Ten Haag looking to add a marquee No. 9 to his squad.
While Harry Kane and Victor Osimhen are both strongly linked – Brentford’s Toni could prove to be a smart, cheap option.
He would fit brilliantly into United’s system in that he is a penalty-box striker who would provide a real focal point in attack.
United put in a lot of crosses into the box and like to pull the game back but more often than not, there is no one in the box to finish off the few openings they create.
A lot of their goals actually come from wide areas through the likes of Marcus Rashford and Antony and a goal scoring striker would really help take this team to new heights.
It looks like Kane could now extend his contract at Tottenham, while Napoli are prepared to demand in excess of £100m for the Nigeria international, who looks set to fire them for the Serie A title.
Although Brentford are unlikely to let Toney off easily, he is far more attainable than United’s two primary striker targets.
The Bees have never been fazed by the idea of losing their best players as they have had great success in recruiting talent in the recent past.
Neil Maupay, Ollie Watkins and Said Benrahmaa have all been transferred for respectable fees during the Thomas Frank era and still, Brentford continue to improve and develop under the Dane.
Toney has already bettered last season’s tally (12 goals) in the Premier League after hitting the back of the net 13 times in the top-flight this season.
At the current rate, Toney is on course to score 26 goals, which would be an extraordinary return for a player playing League One football three years ago.
It just goes to show that whenever Tony has stepped up a level, he has taken it in his stride and continued to improve which shows he is capable of making the leap at United.
He scored 33 goals in the Championship to lead Brentford to promotion in the 2020/21 season and is now among the Premier League’s big hitters.
If United are to open transfer talks with Brentford, they should seeeeeeeriously consider a move for Tony over Raya – especially given the unlikely that they will both land.
There is no doubt that Raya will also be a top signing, but unless United are prepared to let go of De Gea, it seems pointless to bring in his compatriot to sit on the bench.
Instead, Tony is a ready-made starter for United and a monumental upgrade over current loanee Wat Weghorst.
If he escapes FA punishment for an alleged breach of betting rules – he should undoubtedly be on United’s summer transfer shortlist.