A new threat looms over Al-Ahly: European giant chases Toney

According to the website CaughtOffside, citing The National newspaper, Manchester United now look likely to chase a striker on loan in January.

The club are working to strict financial calculations. They have no wish to splash out a large sum on another striker before the summer window.

Sesko remains the long-term focal point of the attack, so a temporary deal would let United cover his absence without disrupting that plan. The need is urgent, too, with Sesko not expected back before the start of 2027.

Zirkzee, by contrast, still features only in a limited role. The Dutchman isn't considered part of United's long-term plans.

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A loan deal makes perfect sense for Manchester United. The club need someone ready to start straight away, and splashing big money on another young striker would only create a headache once Sesko returns. Experience, reliability and a short adaptation period are what matter here.

According to Caught Offside, "this explains Manchester United's growing interest in a deal for Ivan Toney, the Al-Ahli Saudi star".

United are exploring a loan for the Al-Ahli striker, the website reported, a player who knows the Premier League and could hand the attack some immediate physical presence.

Jean-Philippe Mateta offers another realistic option. The Crystal Palace striker remains firmly on United's radar, helped by a strong Premier League record and a contract running down fast.

It concluded: "Manchester United's summer decision to prioritise the midfield was understandable, but the lack of a reliable back-up striker now looks costly".

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Manchester United are not the first to eye Ivan Toney as the answer to their attacking crisis. English and Saudi reports had already flagged Newcastle United's desire to land him.

Al-Ahli, though, look well placed for now. Toney's contract runs until the end of June 2028, and the club have already started work on an extension to keep the squad stable, according to the Al-Montasaf programme on Saudi channel Al-Ekhbariya, which cited sources inside the club late last October.

Speed will be everything. Al-Ahli's board face a difficult test over Toney's renewal, one they fear failing in front of fans still reeling from Gabri Veiga's exit to Newcastle, which came after their own attempts to tie him down, as well as the departures of Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessie.

Toney is now the league's number one star. His goals have made him so, and he tops the Saudi Pro League scoring charts with 13.

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