Manchester United may opt to re-integrate Mason Greenwood into their first-team set-up rather than spend big on Ivan Toney in the summer. The Red Devils are reportedly very keen on acquiring the 27-year-old’s services in the summer but have their reservation about Brentford’s hefty asking price.
According to the Daily Star, Erik ten Hag is personally keeping tabs on Toney ahead of a potential summer swoop. Toney was linked with a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium in January but opted to stay put to repay the loyalty the Bees showed him during his betting ban.
Several Premier League clubs including Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea are monitoring his situation so it won’t be an easy deal to get over the line. United’s ownership also has concerns about Brentford’s £100million valuation of their star striker.
INEOS chief and Man Utd minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is aware that the club will have to dip their hands deep into their pockets in order to become a European powerhouse once again but Toney’s price tag is still considered too dear.
He is understood to value Toney at closer to £70m and is keen to avoid a bidding war. Toney’s lack of experience in European football is said to be a key factor behind Ratcliffe’s disinterest in splashing out nine figures on him while there are concerns about his resale value diminishing as he approaches his thirties.
If Ratcliffe wants to save some money that can be spent elsewhere then bringing Greenwood back into the fold would be his best option. Greenwood is on loan at Getafe in the wake of his off-field problems and is expected to leave United in the summer – though it is not yet clear if Ratcliffe’s arrival has changed matters.
The 22-year-old has been tearing it up in Spain and is attracting interest from La Liga’s biggest outfits. Barcelona are reportedly preparing a bid for Greenwood in the summer, with the Catalanonians ready to offer the Englishman Lionel Messi’s iconic No.10 shirt.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid are hoping to entice him into moving to the Spanish capital. Greenwood has scored seven goals and laid on four assists for Getafe in 22 appearances. He is said to be settled in Spain and would be happy to stay.
