BREAKING News: Man Utd target ‘wants higher pay than Bruno Fernandes’ as INEOS weigh up move

Manchester United is thinking of spending big money on a new star player.

Ivan Toney, a forward for Brentford, is reportedly being considered by Manchester United if his price drops.

The striker, who has been strongly linked to leaving the Bees this summer, added fuel to the fire when he stated candidly that he would be eager to begin a fresh project with a premier team elsewhere.

The England international has previously been linked to Arsenal, Chelsea, and Tottenham; however, Toney is still under contract with Brentford, so United may still want to pursue a deal.

The Red Devils are reportedly considering starting negotiations with Thomas Frank’s camp to talk about a trade for the 28-year-old, according to GiveMeSport. They won’t, however, pursue a purchase unless Toney’s asking price is lowered to £40 million or less.

The striker’s contract with Brentford expires in the summer, and United knows he won’t sign a new one. As a result, they think the Bees might reluctantly accept a lower offer for the forward.

Toney is aware that he may draw more interest when he becomes a free agent in 2025, so he is not ruling out staying at Brentford and playing out his contract there.

Bruno Fernandes is among United’s highest-paid stars (Image: Getty)

Toney reportedly wants to sign a £250,000-per-week contract at any new club, but he now makes £20,000 per week at the Gtech Community Stadium. He would become one of United’s highest-paid players if they were to meet his demands.

Only Casemiro and Marcus Rashford, according to Spotrac, make more than £250,000 per week; Toney is reportedly requesting that only Mason Mount and Jadon Sancho make the same amount at his next team.

If United agreed to pay the England No. 9’s salary demands to sign him, he would be paid more per week (£240,000) than captain Bruno Fernandes.

Joshua Zirkzee recently joined United from Bologna (Image: Getty)

Joshua Zirkzee, a summer transfer from Bologna, has already strengthened United’s forward ranks. However, INEOS is reportedly open to considering the prospect of adding another No. 9 to the team to offer another option in the final third.

Al-Ahli of the Saudi Pro League may be United’s greatest rival in the race to acquire Toney, notwithstanding interest from other Premier League teams.

Although Brentford has not yet heard from the club, the Middle Eastern team has nominated the 28-year-old as a possible target and would not have any trouble meeting his financial demands.