Man Utd won't fight Arsenal and Chelsea to solve Erik ten Hag's No.1 transfer priority

Manchester United will not get drawn into a summer bidding war over Brentford’s £100million-rated striker Ivan Toney.

United boss Erik ten Hag has made signing a proven forward a top priority this summer, after his side’s woeful goal return this season. The Red Devils still have a negative goal difference, having scored just 31 times in 23 Premier League games this season - the fewest total of the top 10 sides.

Ten Hag has identified Toney as a potential solution to United’s goal drought - but Old Trafford chiefs are unwilling to pay over the odds for him.

England star Toney - who has just returned from an eight-month betting ban - wants to leave Brentford this summer, with boss Thomas Frank having admitted he is almost certain to go. That has primed the likes of United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Tottenham to make a move for the prolific 27-year-old front man.

But United, who spent £85m on signing winger Antony from Ajax, who has failed to come anywhere near to justifying that exorbitant fee, are mindful of repeating that mistake by overpaying again.

Incoming United joint-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is aware he must invest significantly in the squad if the fallen giants are to have any chance of challenging for major trophies again. But there is an unwillingness at United to go to Brentford’s £100m asking price, with the feeling a figure of around £70m is a more realistic and appropriate fee.

United are also understood to be wary of entering a bidding war with Chelsea and Arsenal - who are currently leading the race to sign Toney - and are ready to pursue other forward targets.

Toney has scored 70 goals in 126 appearances for Brentford in all competitions, a scoring ratio which has made him one of the most sought-after forwards in