Brentford striker and Liverpool fan Ivan Toney admires a move to ‘big club’ Manchester United
Brentford striker Ivan Toney has admitted that he would consider the possibility of joining Arsenal, Liverpool, or Manchester United once he is back in action.
Currently, the 27-year-old is serving an eight-month suspension from football due to betting-related offences.
Toney faced 262 rule violations that occurred between February 2017 and January 2021, resulting in a £50,000 fine and a lengthy ban from playing.
The English star is scheduled to return to the club in January, and Brentford might encounter challenges in retaining him.
Numerous clubs have indicated their desire to sign the striker, but Toney has specifically mentioned three clubs he’d prefer to join. During an interview with Steven Bartlett on the Diary of a CEO podcast (h/t the Mirror), he stated:
“The manager knows that I want to play at the highest level possible and whenever that time comes, so be it. The next club I go to will be the right club. I am a Liverpool fan my whole life.”
“I have liked Arsenal from young, how they play and how passionate their fans are. But I’m a Liverpool boy, Liverpool fan at heart… I liked [Dimitar] Berbatov. I liked watching United a lot when Berbatov was there, too.”
Man United were linked with a move for the striker during his impressive spell with Brentford last season. However, after the suspension, all those rumours have faded away.
Toney’s professional journey began at Northampton, where he rose through the club’s academy ranks. After making 60 appearances and scoring 13 goals for the senior team, he moved to Newcastle United in 2015.
During his three years at St James’ Park, Toney had limited opportunities, featuring in only two Premier League matches.
Subsequently, he made a permanent move to Peterborough, earning recognition as the League One Player of the Season for his outstanding performances in the 2019-2020 season. He then joined Brentford the following summer.
Toney had a remarkable time last season, in which he scored 20 goals in the Premier League.
While there is expected to be significant interest in the striker once he returns to action, his condition when he returns to training next month will be a major concern.
As for the Red Devils, they have not shown any indication of a move, and it would be wise to keep a distance from players who are surrounded by controversy.
More Manchester United News
- Benfica keeper Odysseas Vlachodimos on Manchester United radar
- Former Manchester United defender Axel Tuanzebe ready to link up with Luton Town
- Crystal Palace enter race for Manchester United star Dean Henderson
United are already dealing with other critical issues at the club, and signing such a player will raise eyebrows.
Although Toney is a quality striker, Erik ten Hag’s side will have much better options to look upon, with zero histories of offences.