Manchester United have entered “initial talks” with Brentford about signing Ivan Toney, according to the Evening Standard.
Chelsea have been reported as potential suitors for the England international in recent days but the Red Devils are hoping to win the race for the player’s signature.
Toney is looking to leave Brentford before the transfer window closes, and his club are expected to lower their asking price in the closing hours ahead of the deadline on Friday night.
A fee of around £40m could now be enough to secure the striker’s services, with Brentford keen not to lose him on a free transfer when his contract expires next year.
United are not the player’s preferred destination
One key issue that the Red Devils will have to face is the fact that the 28-year-old is currently favouring a move to Chelsea.
The Evening Standard claim that Toney has made a switch to Stamford Bridge his “priority”, but circumstances could change over the next few days.
Osimhen could be key to Toney’s switch to Old Trafford
It should be pointed out that Chelsea are also still in talks with Napoli about recruiting Victor Osimhen. There is currently an impasse in negotiations, with the Blues only prepared to bring the forward in on loan, while both the player and his club want a permanent deal.
If a breakthrough is found, and Osimhen does make the move to Stamford Bridge, the Blues would consequently cool their interest in Toney, leaving the door open for United to swoop in.
Of course, there would still be question marks about how Erik ten Hag’s side could afford to pay £40m for the striker. Players such as Jadon Sancho, Christian Eriksen and others may need to leave in order to finance a potential transfer.
