Transfer Gossip: Man Utd gunning for new Brentford assault after exit stance becomes clear; Newcastle chairman wants two thrilling stars
Ivan Toney and Sergio Canos celebrate Brentford goal in Championship, May 2021
Manchester United want another Brentford player to follow Christian Eriksen to Old Trafford and have discovered the Bees’ plans for an exit, Newcastle chairman Yasir Al-Rumayyan likes the look of two exciting attackers, while Tuesday’s Transfer Gossip reveals a Chelsea player’s thoughts on a new contract.
BRENTFORD WARY OF IVAN TONEY TO MAN UTD
Manchester United are still in pursuit of Brentford striker Ivan Toney and have now found out what they will need to do to sign him, according to a report.
Eriksen linked up well with Toney last season after moving to the Bees on a free transfer in January. However, the partnership could only blossom in west London for six months as Eriksen left Brentford at the end of the campaign.
Brentford offered him the chance to extend his contract there. But when Man Utd came calling, the playmaker had to accept.
Eriksen signed for the Red Devils on a three-year contract. And after a difficult start under Erik ten Hag, he is now very important to the way Man Utd play.
Toney continues to impress at Brentford, even though Eriksen has gone. The 26-year-old has netted six goals in just nine Premier League outings so far this season – only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane have scored more than him.
Toney has emerged into a transfer target for Man Utd as they look to improve their centre-forward ranks. Ten Hag is wary that Cristiano Ronaldo wants to move on, while the coach is still analysing Marcus Rashford’s performances as the spearhead in attack.
In September, transfer guru Fabrizio Romano suggested Man Utd could go all out for Toney in summer 2023. Back then, he claimed the recent England call-up would cost between £40-45m.
The Daily Mirror have now provided a big update on Toney’s future. They claim Brentford are planning to reward Toney for his fine form by offering him a bumper new contract.
He hasn’t had any new terms since moving to Brentford from Peterborough in 2020.
Toney’s current deal expires in 2025, which puts the club in a relatively strong position. However, they are aware of Man Utd’s interest in the striker and hope a new deal will put an end to the links.
Toney will be offered a pay rise which will take his weekly wage above £100,000. This will likely make him the top earner at the Community Stadium, given the club’s finances.
The report also reveals Brentford’s exit stance and what Man Utd will have to do to snare Toney. It states his new contract will include a release clause, and Man Utd will simply have to match this to take the forward to Manchester.
There is no mention of how much the release clause will be worth – perhaps this will come out once Toney signs the deal. The Mirror call the clause ‘hefty but not prohibitive’. This suggests it will fall in line with what Man Utd can afford, setting up a potential transfer in 2023.
NEWCASTLE EYE IMPRESSIVE DUO
Newcastle are still in the mix for attacking pair James Maddison and Moussa Diaby, according to a report.
Maddison and Diaby were heavily linked with Newcastle moves during the summer transfer window. The Magpies began talks over the duo, but they ultimately moved onto other targets after finding out how much they would cost.
Leicester demanded £60m for Maddison in August. This ended any hopes the attacking midfielder had of moving to St James’ Park, as Newcastle would not go past a £50m bid.
Diaby would also have cost £60m as Bayer Leverkusen showed little reluctance to negotiate over the winger with Newcastle.
As per a fresh report from the i, Newcastle hope their great start to the Premier League season will help them bring in some big talent in January. Eddie Howe’s side have picked up 14 points so far and sit in the top six.
Newcastle chairman Al-Rumayyan will have more money to spend this winter and Maddison and Diaby will once again be on his radar, the report claims.
Al-Rumayyan will restart talks with Leicester and Bayer Leverkusen to see if either deal can be struck in January.
It will be particularly interesting to see how the Maddison discussions go. The Englishman is in fantastic form, while Leicester are struggling and in the relegation zone.
If Brendan Rodgers fails to turn things around, then Maddison could give Newcastle a helping hand by pushing for a big-money move.
A switch to the north east may also aid Maddison as he looks to get back in the England setup. His great goalscoring record at Leicester doesn’t seem to be enough for Gareth Southgate right now.
THIAGO SILVA DISCUSSES CHELSEA CONTRACT RENEWAL
Chelsea defender Thiago Silva has been talking openly about a possible contract extension at Stamford Bridge.
The centre-back joined Chelsea on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in 2020, signing a two-year deal with the Blues.
He extended the terms by a season in January and this will keep him under Graham Potter’s management until the end of the current term.
Despite being 38 years old, Silva continues to be a vital asset for Chelsea. He has played in seven of their eight league games so far and has also picked up the armband in the absence of Cesar Azpilicueta.
Speculation is beginning to mount over whether Silva will pen a new deal at Chelsea or look for pastures new.
Ahead of the Champions League match against AC Milan on Tuesday night, Silva was asked about his future. He said: “The time will come to talk, it could be time before or after the World Cup.
“I need to decide my contract for my family arrangements, it’s not easy. We will see what will happen.”
It seems Silva will discuss his options with his family before committing to Chelsea. Either way, Blues fans will know what the veteran plans to do soon after the World Cup.
There is a good chance he will end up staying in west London as he has formed a good relationship with the club’s fans and appears to be enjoying his time there.
