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Sources: Man United devise solution to bypass 'difficult' Ivan Toney issue
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- Sources: Man United devise solution to bypass 'difficult' Ivan Toney issue
Manchester United are more likely to sign Al Ahli striker Ivan Toney on loan in January rather than on a permanent deal, sources have told Football Insider.
The Red Devils are assessing their striker option to cover for the injured Benjamin Sesko, and the 30-year-old has emerged as a potential candidate.
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However, Toney is on a "very lucrative" contract in Saudi Arabia, and Al Ahli are also under no financial pressure to sell their star man.
Sources say that United are likely to line up a potential loan move as a result, rather than committing to take on the entirety of the frontman's wages.
Toney has been happy in the Middle East in recent years, and it would likely require a significant fee to bring him back to England permanently.
However, United are prepared to try to get around that by attempting to strike an initial loan deal for him this winter.
Ivan Toney 'ticks boxes' for Man United
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Football Insiderrevealed on Tuesday that United have added Toney to their "shortlist" of striker targets ahead of the January window.
The attacking areas have emerged as a new priority to be strengthened this winter, after the team have struggled in front of goal of late.
Toney has been prolific in Saudi Arabia once again this season, and his prowess in front of goal is a clear attraction for Michael Carrick and Co.
The former Brentford ace is understood to "tick boxes" for the Old Trafford outfit as he is already proven in the Premier League and is a genuine top-level finisher inside the box.
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Toney was heavily linked with a move to Tottenham at the same stage of last season, but ultimately showed little desire to return to English football.
Sources: Man United make Ivan Toney decision ahead of January Man United face Lisandro Martinez 'nightmare' after U-turn Man United face Lisandro Martinez 'nightmare'
Former United chief scout Mick Brown recently told Football Insider that his former club are in a "nightmare" situation with centre-back Lisandro Martinez.
The ex-recruitment man believes that Martinez still has the repuation of a "top-class" defender, despite his poor performances being far below the required level of late.
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Brown also pointed out that United do not have the depth in their squad to adequately replace the Argentine, other than throwing youngsters in at the deep end.
Martinez is out of contract at Old Trafford next summer, but the club have the option to extend his current deal by a further year.
