Man United and Tottenham the 'two clubs to watch' in race for 'world-class' £45m striker this summer - journalist

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are likely to be busy in the transfer window over the coming weeks as they look to strengthen their respective squads.

The Red Devils have been busy already this summer, making two high-profile signings in Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee.

Meanwhile, Spurs have got one signing over the line, bringing England youth prodigy Archie Gray to the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Both Man United and Tottenham have been linked with a multitude of top players, including a striker who has taken the Premier League by storm in recent years.

Now, transfer insider Ben Jacobs has spoken about said player, saying the Red Devils and the Lilywhites are “the two clubs to watch” in pursuit of his signature.

READ MORE: Fabrizio Romano says ‘fantastic’ Tottenham attacker is now exit-bound

Manchester United and Tottenham the ones to watch in Ivan Toney race

The player in question is Ivan Toney, who has gone from strength to strength at Brentford and played for England at Euro 2024.

It was recently reported that the Bees may look to slash their asking price to less than £50million due to a lack of interest in Toney, down from £80million-plus.

Now, Jacobs – speaking on talkSPORT – has claimed that the “world-class” 28-year-old could be available for as little as £45million.

The journalist also reported that Toney is not against the idea of staying at Brentford until next summer before leaving once his contract expires.

“My understanding is that Toney is not against free agency in 2025,” said Jacobs.

“Because it might open up a big club who feels there is a bargain to be had by bringing him in on a free transfer.

“If he is to go this summer, it’s understood that Brentford would be looking for somewhere in the region of £45-50million.

“Manchester United and Spurs are the two clubs to watch.”

Toney a top talent but clubs yet to make a move

Toney has proven himself in the Premier League and also did well at Euro 2024 for England in the limited game time he received under Gareth Southgate.

Last year, Jamie Carragher told Sky Sports that Toney is “one of the best attacking players in the league”, while Thomas Frank deemed him “the best penalty taker in the world”.

However, there seems to be a bit of a stand-off among Premier League teams in pursuit of Toney. Perhaps they are waiting for the price to drop even further.

With Toney’s contract expiring next summer, the likes of Man United, Tottenham and Arsenal will also be mindful that he’ll be even cheaper in January, and free next year.