Man Utd’s Ivan Toney transfer ‘plan’ as Joshua Zirkzee role clear

Manchester United announced the signing of Joshua Zirkzee on Sunday afternoon. making a move for unlikely.

The Netherlands international impressed for Serie A side Bologna last term – he contributed with 12 goals and seven assists last season under the tutelage of former PSG man Thiago Motta.

The former Bayern Munich striker struggled to make an impact in Bavaria but finally thrived in Serie A which impressed Dutch manager Ronald Koeman who named him in the Netherlands UEFA Euro 2024 squad – he played twice at the tournament.

The 23-year-old had a €40m release clause in his Bologna contract but United have agreed to pay an extra €2.5m so they can stagger the payments over three years, rather than paying the release clause in one lump sum. United have also been linked with a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney in recent weeks, with a big update on their stance over a move for the England forward emerging following the signing of Zirkzee.

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With that said, MEN Sport has taken a look at the latest United news and gossip that has been doing the rounds in the last 24 hours.

Zikzee role clear

After the completion of his move, Joshua Zirkzee said: “Having had discussions with the manager and the leaders of the club I know how exciting the future is going to be here and I cannot wait to play my part in achieving success for Manchester United.

“I am a player who has always dedicated everything to winning; I’m ready for this next challenge, to go to another level in my career and win more trophies.

“It is a privilege to join such an iconic club. I have to take a short break now after being with the national team, but I’ll be coming back ready to make an impact straight away.”

The 23-year-old will not travel to United’s pre-season fixture against Norwegian outfit Rosenborg BK on Saturday evening. He will now be given a rest after his international commitments – he will join the squad in early August.

MEN Sport says: Zirkzee will provide tough competition for Rasmus Højlund who struggled to find consistency during his first season at Old Trafford – the Dane scored 10 times in 30 Premier League appearances. It’s clear from Zirkzee’s comments that he wants to make an impact at United – and is hoping to be given the chance to do so straightaway.

That will be music to the ears of United fans, who will no doubt be excited for the new season following news of Zirkzee’s arrival.

Ivan Toney stance

As a result of United securing Zirkzee’s signature the potential of Ivan Toney joining looks unlikely according to the Daily Mail. The Brentford man has featured sporadically at UEFA Euro 2024 however did provide an assist for Harry Kane’s extra-time header against Slovakia in the round of 16 – he also scored in the quarter-final penalty shootout against Switzerland.

Earlier this year the striker conceded that he had the desire to fight for trophies, he said: “You can never predict when is the right time to move elsewhere. Everybody wants to play at the top of the tree. Not that Brentford aren’t there but playing for a big club and fighting for trophies, I really want to do that.”

MEN Sport says: Like many Premier League sides, United will be keen to fall in line with profit and sustainability rules (PSR)- and they could jeopardise the move for the Bees’ striker. Erik ten Hag’s side would have to raise substantial funds from offloading players in order to pursue Toney, whose potential fee would likely be more than that paid for Zirkzee.

On the potential departures list could be Mason Greenwood who looks likely to reach an agreement with Marseille. While Marcus Rashford looked out of sorts last year but no solid interest seems apparent currently. Højlund will not be allowed to leave as he will look to improve on last season’s return – and so any move for Toney seems unlikely for now at least.