Man Utd 'interested in Brentford striker Ivan Toney' despite arrival of Zirkzee

Manchester United are reportedly interested in Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

After holding a recruitment meeting at Carrington on the first day of pre-season on Monday, United have wasted no time pressing ahead with their transfer plans.

Erik ten Hag's side are closing in on deals for Bologna striker Joshua Zirkzee and Bayern Munich defender Matthijs De Ligt now the Netherlands are out of Euro 2024.

Despite the imminent arrival of Zirkzee, United still hold interest in the Brentford and England star Toney according to Bild.

The 28-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from west London with interest from a number of top flight clubs.

Toney has a year remaining on his current deal with the Bees and talks over a new contract have not taken place.

The striker, who returned to action in January after an eight-month ban for breaching the FA's betting rules, is keen on the move to Old Trafford and his agent has informed Brentford.

Toney's departure looks likely after Bees manager Thomas Frank admitted it could be 'fun' to watch him play for a 'top team'.

Speaking in February, Frank said: 'It can be expensive to sell your best player, but on the other hand, I also know that by the summer, he’ll only have a year left on his contract with us.

'We also know what he’s worth. I don’t think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now. He’s a really good striker who is in his prime footballing age. Personally, as a coach, I would prefer to keep Toney, but one day it could be fun to see him at a top team.

'This winter, we actually had no bids for him, but it would surprise me if there aren’t a lot of clubs interested in him.'

Toney has made no secret of his ambitions to play for an elite side and even reiterated his desire to do as much earlier this year.

In an exclusive interview with Mail Sport, Toney said: 'Everyone knows that I would love to play for a top team and be at the top of the leagues, playing with the best.

'I am a Brentford player at the moment and until that time comes, whether it is this window or at the end of the season or whenever it does happen, then so be it, but right now I am a Brentford player and that's my focus.'

Toney will seek to win the first major honour of his career when England take on Spain in Sunday's Euro 2024 final.