Football News: Man Utd Pursue Premier League Duo for Striking Support
Man Utd Hold Talks Over Toney and Calvert-Lewin Deals
Manchester United have held ‘talks’ over potential deals to sign Premier League strikers Ivan Toney and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, according to reports. The Red Devils are desperate to add a new centre-forward to their squad in the upcoming summer transfer window, aiming to ease the goalscoring burden on Rasmus Hojlund and Marcus Rashford.
Last season, Hojlund and Rashford managed just 17 Premier League goals between them, prompting Man Utd to explore reinforcements.
The club is on the verge of securing the signing of Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, with transfer expert Fabrizio Romano stating that the “Here we go” announcement is “really imminent” as the Red Devils prepare to trigger the €40 million release clause.
However, it has been reported that Man Utd have also held ‘talks’ over potential moves for other attacking targets this summer. Brentford’s Ivan Toney and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin have emerged as possible options, with both players having just one year remaining on their current contracts and indicating they will not be signing new deals with their respective clubs.
According to The Athletic, Brentford are thought to want £60 million for Toney, 28, but there is a belief they might accept a figure closer to £40 million. Everton’s financial situation means they are open to selling Calvert-Lewin, 27, this summer rather than risk losing him for free in 2025, with a deal around the £30 million mark viewed as plausible.
The report notes that Calvert-Lewin’s injury record is a consideration, but Manchester United figures have noted that he featured in 38 games last season, playing 18 more minutes than Hojlund in the Premier League overall, and scored seven goals.
Zirkzee and De Ligt Deals Progressing
In other transfer news, the past week has seen significant progress in Manchester United’s pursuit of Joshua Zirkzee. The club has reached an agreement on personal terms, including a five-year deal, and agent commission for the Bologna forward. A move for Zirkzee is now close, although United are still weighing up whether to pay the player’s €40 million release clause or to negotiate a different structure for the deal.
Additionally, Matthijs de Ligt of Bayern Munich remains the likeliest addition in the centre of defence for Manchester United, despite the club’s interest in Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite and Lille’s Leny Yoro. United have made an improved £45 million plus £5 million in add-ons offer for Branthwaite, but the offer is expected to be firmly rejected by Everton.
The deals for both Zirkzee and De Ligt could accelerate this week if the Netherlands national team, which features De Ligt, are eliminated from the European Championship after their semi-final against England on Wednesday, allowing for medicals to be completed.
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