Man Utd 'looking to sign Ivan Toney in January' as talks held despite Liverpool transfer hint

Manchester United are interested in signing Ivan Toney once the player's betting ban is lifted, it has been claimed.

After two unconvincing performances against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Tottenham Hotspur, there is already worry among the United faithful that the club lack the necessary depth in midfield and up-front for the campaign.

Striker Rasmus Hojlund, 20, completed a £72million move to United earlier this summer, but has yet to feature for his new club due to an injury sustained in pre-season. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford favours operating on the left-flank and Anthony Martial has struggled with fitness across his entire United career.

But it appears United are prepared to wait until the January transfer window to sign another No.9.

Indeed, FootballTransfers have claimed United are looking to bring in Toney in the winter transfer window after having conservations with the Brentford striker before the Erik ten Hag's men flew out for their pre-season tour of the US.

The publication has alleged the club are prepared to wait until Toney’s betting ban is lifted in January before making a move for the player.

Toney is said to be open to a move to Old Trafford, while the months in which it will take to sign the 27-year-old will provide Hojlund with time to settle into life in Manchester.

Ten Hag has traditionally used a physical No.9 in his system and Hojlund was reportedly signed to supplement any other new arrivals for that position.

However at present United do not have the funds to make such a purchase.

The report comes days after Toney revealed his admiration for both Liverpool and Arsenal.

Speaking on The Diary of a CEO podcast, Toney said: "Yeah, [I’m a] Liverpool fan.

"I have been a Liverpool fan my whole life, but from young I have liked Arsenal, I like watching Arsenal and how they play and kind of how passionate the fans are. But, yeah, Liverpool fan – Liverpool boy at heart."

Toney is serving an eight-month suspension after accepting he broke Football Association betting rules.

The forward is not allowed to play again until January 17 next year but can return to training on September 17.

Along with the ban, Toney was fined £50,000 and warned about his future conduct for 232 breaches of the FA's betting regulations. The FA's regulatory commission added that Toney had a gambling addiction and concluded he needed help.

Toney's breaches took place between February 25, 2017 and January 23, 2021, during which time he represented Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic, Peterborough United and Brentford.

The Brentford star netted 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances last term, helping Brentford to a ninth place finish. He also won his first England cap as a late substitute in the 2-0 European championship qualifying victory over Ukraine in March.