Ivan Toney: ‘Surprise’ update on Man United transfer
Ruben Amorim remains determined to strengthen his Man United squad after a mixed start to the season and is making plans for the January transfer window.
The arrivals of Benjamin Sesko, Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo in the summer have Amorim’s side well-stocked up front, but a natural number nine would not go amiss.
Reports have claimed Ivan Toney could leave Al-Ahli on loan in favour of returning to the Premier League to boost his chances of returning to the England squad.
Thomas Tuchel had previously indicated Toney could be part of his squad even when playing in the Saudi Pro League, but that stance has been questioned, leaving Toney frustrated.
As a result, United are one of a number of Premier League sides believed to be keeping tabs on his situation ahead of the mid-season window.
Man United plot move to sign Ivan Toney on loan
Man United are believed to be interested in Toney as Amorim looks to bolster his side with new additions ahead of the January transfer window.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, it would be a surprise to see the England striker return to the Premier League mid-way through the season as he remains an important player for Al-Ahli.
Toney’s contract at the Saudi Pro League outfit is set to run until 2028, and any short term move could prove too complicated to pull off.
Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, I explained: “I think it would be a surprise if he was to return to the Premier League. He’s a very key figure for Al Ahli since he made the move to the Pro League.
“I don’t think they would be looking to let Ivan Toney leave midway through the season.
“They will be hoping to keep hold of him, especially if they want to have similar success that they’ve had in the last 12 months.
“Also, he’s under contract until 2028, so any short term move, like a loan move in January, would be very complicated to do.
“A lot of it will come down to Ivan Toney.
“If he feels his only chance of maybe breaking into Tuchel’s plans for the World Cup is to move back to the Premier League, then that’s something that he might have to wish for or look into.
“But I don’t think Al-Ahli will be willing to let him go. As I said, I’d be very surprised if a move for Toney back to the Premier League did come to fruition.”
Aston Villa are also interested in Toney and could make a move to join their Premier League rivals in the race if his availability is made clear in the coming months.
West Ham join race to sign Toney from Al-Ahli
Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider on 14 October that West Ham are interested in Toney and keeping tabs on his situation.
Neither Callum Wilson nor Niclas Fullkrug have been able to establish themselves as a regular goalscorer for West Ham, forcing them to consider options in the market.
Following a difficult start to the season, the Hammers have now won just one of their opening seven league games amid concerns about their attacking firepower.
Football Insider revealed on 12 October that West Ham are interested in Man United’s Joshua Zirkzee as an option to strengthen up front in the mid-season window.
However, Toney has now emerged as a key contender for the position, having been linked with a return to England following his spell in Saudi Arabia.
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