Manchester United 'target' Ivan Toney January move and more transfer rumours

Manchester United have already spoken with Ivan Toney as they eye a potential January move for the striker, according to reports.

Toney is currently serving an eight-month suspension after accepting he broke FA betting rules. The Brentford frontman admitted to 232 breaches of the governing body's strict rules and will not be involved in football until January 17.

The 27-year-old enjoyed another outstanding campaign with the Bees last time out, scoring 20 goals in 33 Premier League appearances. His form attracted widespread transfer interest, although it cooled amid the investigation and subsequent suspension.

But according to Football Transfers, United are planning ahead as they explore a January move for Toney. The club are said to have held 'conversations' with the striker ahead of pre-season, with the report adding that he would be open to an Old Trafford move.

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Erik ten Hag sanctioned the £73million purchase of Rasmus Hojlund this summer but is thought to be open to competition for the young Dane. Anthony Martial is the only other out-and-out striker at the squad, but cannot be trusted to keep fit over the course of a season.

Elsewhere, Sky Sports. reports that Granada are in 'formal talks' with United over a potential loan deal for Alvaro Fernandez.

Fernandez spent last season at Championship side Preston North End, registering four assists in 39 league games. But despite impressing in pre-season, the 20-year-old remains behind Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia at left-back and is expected to leave temporarily again.

Discussions are said to be ongoing, with the Spanish side wanting an option to make the loan permanent - a clause that is