Manchester United could launch a move to sign Ivan Toney after Rasmus Hojlund suffered a hamstring injury in pre-season.
Hojlund will be out for a minimum of six weeks after suffering the issue against Real Betis this week, ruling him out of the Community Shield against Manchester City on August 10 and the Premier League season opener against Fulham six days later.
Erik ten Hag’s team have signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, but the 22-year-old has no prior experience of the Premier League.
Hojlund’s injury could persuade the Red Devils to re-enter the market and firm up a long-standing interest in Brentford striker Toney, according to the Evening Standard. The 28-year-old is out of contract next summer and could be available for a knockdown price.
However, Toney’s future is complicated after an injury to Brentford’s club-record signing Igor Thiago. The £30m recruit has been signed amid Toney’s expected departure but has been ruled out until next year with a knee injury.
Brentford could opt to run the risk of losing Toney on a free transfer next summer, in the hope the England international can keep the club away from trouble during Thiago’s absence.
