Ivan Toney: Man United held talks in January as new plan emerges

Speaking to United Stand, Jacobs states: “Midseason, some of the names [United] were making enquiries on, one was a call to understand the situation of Ivan Toney, not the first time Manchester United have done that.”

The reporter concludes that it was a case of “due diligence” rather than an urgent priority, though a new update from The Athletic reveals an experienced striker is firmly on the agenda this summer.

This suggests a pursuit of the Northampton native could be reignited once the season draws to a close in an effort to help ease the burden on first-choice frontman, Benjamin Sesko.

Other Options Up Top

The future of Joshua Zirkzee will “define” whether United pursue another centre-forward, Jacobs claims. A return to Italy is firmly on the cards for the 24-year-old Dutchman, while there is interest from the Bundesliga as well.

The former Bologna star remains a player whose profile and potential offers hope it may still click for him in a red shirt. But nine goals and four assists in 70 appearances suggests this is hope rather than expectation.

Jacobs also reveals “appreciation” for Ollie Watkins – United’s other target last summer alongside Sesko – has “not gone away, even though he’s had a hit and miss season.” Aston Villa would demand an exorbitant fee for a player who turns 31 in December, however.

An alternative route would be to promote from within by turning to the club’s academy. Chido Obi, the 18-year-old Danish sensation, has been in red-hot form for the under-18s recently and sources at Old Trafford contend he could be “part of the first-team plans regularly” next season.

Final Thoughts

If in a magical world, Toney could be signed on a season-long loan with his mammoth wage packet largely covered by Al-Ahli, he would be an excellent signing for United. Similarly, if he was to tear up his contract in Saudi Arabia and declare intent to return to England on a more reasonable salary, it would also make sense.

But neither of these scenarios are remotely likely, while revisiting a pursuit of Ollie Watins is even less probable. This creates hope that Obi may end up getting a chance to stake his claim in the senior side, if only because the more senior options elsewhere are unfeasible.

Featured image Yasser Bakhsh via Getty Images

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