Brentford will refuse to sell English striker Ivan Toney for less than £60 million, The Pitch Prospect has learned.
The Bees had already demanded a transfer fee of £80 million for the centre-forward in January as they were keen to keep the player.
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Arsenal have held initial talks with Toney’s representatives but have no plans to pursue their interest at this time.
Manchester United have also included Toney in their list of targets, but the 28-year-old’s high price is likely to be a major obstacle.
The Red Devils are also said to be admirers of Bologna’s Joshua Zirkzee and Lille striker Jonathan David.
Zirkzee, whose contract includes a £34m release clause, is attracting interest from numerous European clubs, while David and Toney are entering the final 12 months of their existing deals.
United are keen to add more firepower to their attack to complement Rasmus Hojlund, who is still getting to grips with English football.
The Danish international is now the club’s only recognised striker due to the impending departure of Anthony Martial, while previous target Benjamin Sesko is expected to sign a new contract with RB Leipzig.
Club chiefs are looking to push ahead with transfer deals after confirming that head coach Erik ten Hag will remain in his post following a review of the team’s performance in the 2023/24 season.
And that could lead them to Toney, who has made no secret of his desire to prove himself at a bigger club.
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Speaking to The Pitch Prospect ahead of England’s opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia, Toney noted: “I’m a Brentford player, I’ve got a year left. I’m going into a big tournament and that’s my main focus now.”
“After that I will return to Brentford and continue to be a Brentford player.”
Before adding: “It’s nice to be linked with other clubs but I’ve had disappointments in the past and nothing is done until it’s done.”
“As I said, I’m still a Brentford player and I have to focus on doing well next season. That’s the main thing.”
“If a big change were to happen, I would definitely be ready.
“But like I said, I have to stay focused and not let other things and noise overwhelm me. I just have to concentrate on what I have to do.”
Toney returned to play in January after serving an eight-month ban for 232 breaches of the Football Association’s betting rules.
The Brentford star scored four goals in 17 appearances after his return, securing a place in the England squad for Euro 2024.