Manchester United recruited six new players during the summer transfer window as Erik ten Hag continues to put plans in place for the next stage in his rebuild. Having prioritised defenders and midfielders this summer, it could be that a centre-forward is top of the shopping list in time for next season.
Question marks over Cristiano Ronaldo and Antony Martial - for different reasons - remain at Old Trafford while the club watched on as Manchester City, Liverpool and Arsenal each strengthened in that department recently. But will the top clubs come calling for Ivan Toney?
Called-up by England for the first time in his career during the September break, Toney has done it the hard way after being sold by Newcastle four years ago. However, after proving his worth further down the ladder, Toney has enjoyed a Jamie Vardy-like rise to the international scene.
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Seventeen goals for Brentford in the Premier League since their dream promotion in 2021 has pinpointed Toney, 26, as one of the most prolific frontmen over that same period. Brentford are braced for interest to become something more concrete, but does the former Scunthorpe and Peterborough man have what it takes to play for United going forward?
One high-profile pundit seemingly thinks he does - even comparing Toney to City sensation Erling Haaland.
Speaking about Toney while on Premier League duty last month, ex-United striker Owen said: "Big centre-forwards, we associate them with winning flick-ons and being a target man. But nowadays, when you see the likes of Haaland and Toney, they aren't just that.
"They are running in-behind, they are showing pace, they are showing athleticism. Scoring different types of goals."
Owen added: "The other thing I like about Toney - and Haaland does it as well - is that when you get the wrong side of Toney as a defender, you can't get back. He's just too strong, holds you off and then shoots.
"For somebody his size, you just don't associate it with him [free-kick against Leeds]. It's unbelievable for a man that size and it's such an amazing goal to score."
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