Manchester United Transfer News Roundup: Red Devils appreciate Ivan Toney; club plan talks for Everton ace, and more - June 17, 2024
Manchester United are working to add more quality to the side before the upcoming campaign. Erik ten Hag could only manage an eighth-placed finish in the 2023-24 campaign, but the club decided to keep their trust in him after the FA Cup win.
Meanwhile, the Red Devils are interested in Brentford striker Ivan Toney. Elsewhere, the Old Trafford outfit are planning for talks to sign Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite.
On that note, here's a look at the key Manchester United transfer stories as on June 17, 2024:
Manchester United appreciate Ivan Toney
Ivan Toney has admirers at Old Trafford, according to transfer insider Ben Jacobs. The English forward will enter the final year of his contract with Brentford this summer but hasn't signed a new deal yet.
Toney is expected to take the next step in his career this year and is being eyed by multiple clubs across the country. Manchester United are on the hunt for a new No. 9 to complement Rasmus Hojlund, and the Englishman has previously been named as an option.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, Jones added that the Red Devils are unlikely to break the bank for Toney.
"Experience doesn't necessarily mean old, it just means Premier League proven, which is why several names are being spoken of, Ivan Toney being one of them.
"I think Manchester United appreciate Toney, but would only seriously consider a move, given the wages that he expects, if the price drops significantly," said Jacobs.
He continued:
"Thomas Frank said publicly, half seriously at least, that he's £100 million player, but because in a year's time, he can enter into free agency, that number is not what suitors think it will require to get a Toney offer accepted."
Toney returned to action in January from an eight-month ban due to illegal betting and registered four goals and two assists in 17 games across competitions.
Red Devils plan talks for Jarrad Branthwaite
Manchester United are planning to hold advanced talks with Everton regarding a move for Jarrad Branthwaite, according to GIVEMESPORT. Ten Hag wants a new defender this summer to replace Raphael Varane, who has left.
Branthwaite is his preferred option, and the Red Devils have submitted a £35 million offer for the player. Everton have turned that down, though, as they want £70 million to let their prized asset leave.
The Old Trafford outfit haven't given up on the 21-year-old yet and are planning to return with an improved offer. They are reluctant to match the Toffees' asking price and would prefer to get a deal down for £45-50 million.
The structure of any proposed deal could play a big role in its success. Manchester United could look to include add-ons in their offer to help the move materialize.
Branthwaite was outstanding for the Merseyside club in the 2023-24 campaign, registering 41 appearances across competitions, all of which were starts.
Erik ten Hag confirms renewal talks
Erik ten Hag has confirmed that he's in talks with Manchester United regarding a new deal. The Dutch manager was initially under pressure this summer after an underwhelming campaign.
New minority owners INEOS took their time to assess the managerial position in an end-of-season review. An eighth-place finish was bound to put Ten Hag on the spot, but a dramatic FA Cup win over Manchester City perhaps worked in his favour. Recent reports have suggested that INEOS have opted to keep their trust in the Dutchman for now.
Speaking to NOS, Ten Hag added that the Premier League giants had considered former Bayern Munich manager Thomas Tuchel as his replacement.
"The club management came to me while I was on holiday in Ibiza. They suddenly showed up on my doorstep and told me they wanted to continue with me. As in any organization, it is wise to evaluate. Manchester United did that too," said Ten Hag.
He continued:
"The new owner is new to football, he has taken his time. They spoke with Thomas Tuchel but came to the conclusion that they already have the best manager."
Ten Hag's contract with the Red Devils expires at the end of next season.