A new threat to Al Ahly: a European giant chases Toney

An emergency move in January could upset the plans of "the Posh"

Manchester United want a new striker in January. Benjamin Sesko's injury has laid bare an obvious lack of depth in attack, and speculation over their intentions is growing.

Rather than chase another out-and-out striker in the summer, United poured their efforts into strengthening the midfield. That call is now being tested. Sesko is sidelined through injury, and Joshua Zirkzee has struggled to convince Michael Carrick he is the right man to lead the line.

Carrick has turned to Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha at centre-forward, but neither is a natural number nine. The club's January plans now look to be leaning towards a short-term fix rather than another major long-term investment.

Manchester United are likely to chase a striker on loan in January, according to CaughtOffside, citing "The National".

Strict financial calculations are driving the thinking at Old Trafford. The club have no desire to spend big on another striker before the summer window.

Sesko remains the long-term focal point of the attack. A temporary deal would let United cover his absence without disrupting that plan, and the need is pressing: he isn't expected back before the start of 2027.

Zirkzee, meanwhile, is still stuck in a limited role. The Dutchman doesn't figure in United's long-term plans.

A loan deal, then, looks the logical route for Manchester United. They need someone ready to start straight away, and splashing big money on another young striker could create a headache once Sesko returns. Experience, reliability and a short adaptation time are what matter most.

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

United are weighing up a loan move for the Al-Ahli frontman, the website reported, a player who knows the Premier League and would bring immediate physical presence to the attack.

Jean-Philippe Mateta offers another realistic option. The Crystal Palace striker remains 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 midfield was understandable, but the lack of a reliable backup striker now appears costly".

Manchester United are not the first to eye a move for Ivan Toney as a fix for their attacking crisis. English and Saudi reports had already flagged Newcastle United's interest in the striker.

Al-Ahli, though, hold a strong contractual hand. Toney's deal runs until the end of June 2028, and the club have already opened talks over an extension to keep the squad settled, according to the Al-Montasaf programme on Saudi channel Al-Ekhbariya, which cited sources inside the Saudi club in late October.

Speed will be everything for Al-Ahli on that extension. It is the test they fear failing in front of fans still reeling from Gabri Veiga's exit to Newcastle, a departure that came despite efforts to tie him down, and one that followed the exits of Riyad Mahrez and Franck Kessié.

Toney is now the club's number one star. His goals have made him the Saudi Pro League's top scorer, sitting clear at the summit with a tally of 13.