'Talks held' - Man Utd launch £40m hijack to squash 'remarkable' Chelsea transfer

Manchester United have entered talks with Brentford over the potential signing of Ivan Toney this week in a dramatic turn of events after the talisman was said to have made a move to Chelsea a priority.

The England international had been hotly tipped to leave the Gtech Community Stadium this summer with just one year left on his contract. In January, there had been talk of a staggering £100 million exit but an underwhelming campaign last time out and financial pressures have seen that reported fee more than halved as Deadline Day looms large.

The Evening Standard reports that Toney wants a move across West London to Chelsea with his ambition to stay in the Premier League. There had been interest from Saudi outfit Al-Ahli but a £38 million move is believed to have collapsed.

Now, the outlet reports that Manchester United have joined the race and are in discussions with Brentford over a move. The Bees are hoping to get £50 million for Toney, who joined the club for around £10 million from Peterborough United in 2020, but a fee of £40 million is looking more realistic.

The Evening Standard adds that the Red Devils are yet to make a formal offer but that Brentford are keen to use any potential interest to drive a bidding war between Chelsea and their Premier League rivals in the North West ahead of the window slamming shut.

The signing of Toney would be a coup for either side with the player's goalscoring prowess in the Premier League well known. The Brentford man bagged 20 top flight goals in the 2022/23 season, only Harry Kane and Erling Haaland scoring more that season.

Toney is yet to play for Brentford this season as the transfer saga drags on but has been praised by the Bees manager in the past. Speaking after his 20th goal of the 22/23 season, Frank said: "Big praise to Ivan. He’s had a fantastic season with 20 goals. That’s remarkable. Sometimes I think, how many goals would he score for a top six club that are creating even more chances? I’m very pleased he’s a Brentford player.”