Man Utd in 'five-team race' for lethal Premier League striker as £51m teenager 'monitored'

Manchester United will hope to record a fourth straight win across all competitions when they face Aston Villa at Villa Park on Sunday. Erik ten Hag's side are among the form teams of 2024 but face their toughest task of the new year in coming away from the Midlands with anything.

While Ten Hag and his squad focus on a strong finish to this season, recruitment chiefs at United will already be focusing on summer plans. And with that in mind, ManchesterWorld has rounded up some of the latest headlines coming out of Old Trafford.

Toney race heating up

Any move for Ivan Toney this summer will be tough with reports suggesting United are among five Premier League teams eyeing the Brentford striker. HITC reports that Arsenal, Tottenham, Newcastle and Chelsea are also in the race for his signature this summer.

Toney only returned from an eight-month suspension last month but has two goals in three appearances and looks back to his best already. The 27-year-old will have 12 months left on his contract come summer, with manager Thomas Frank admitting a sale is likely.

Brentford are said to have wanted £80million in Toney in January but that price could drop considerably in the summer, due to that contract situation and the length of time for the Bees to source a replacement. The report suggests £50-60m could do the trick.

Brazilian wonderkid eyed

United are among three teams to be cited with interest in Palmeiras striker Thalys. Spanish outlet AS names the Reds alongside Barcelona and Juventus in monitoring the 18-year-old's development in Brazil.

Thalys is thought to be the next big thing to come out of Brazil, where some of the world's most promising players have been picked up early across Europe. Palmeiras sold Endrick to Real Madrid for £51m in 2022 and hope to bring in a similar fee for their next talent.

The forward is yet to make a senior appearance for his club but has three goals in five games for their under-20s side. He signed a new contract in October that runs until 2026.