Man Utd 'hold talks' over Chelsea target Ivan Toney

Manchester United have joined Chelsea and Al Ahli in the race to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney, a report has claimed.

Toney's contract with the Bees expires at the end of the 2024/25 season and he has shown little desire to extend his stay at the Gtech Community Stadium. The club are prepared to sell the forward to avoid losing him on a free transfer next summer.

In recent weeks, Toney has been heavily linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli, though they are yet to meet Brentford's £50m asking price, while reports on Tuesday claimed Chelsea are also looking into a deal for the England international.

The Evening Standard writes that United have 'held initial talks' with Brentford regarding Toney, who is determined to seal a move away before Friday's transfer deadline.

Though these discussions are only at a 'preliminary' stage, Brentford are hopeful of drumming up a bidding war for their star forward.

Toney's 'priority' remains signing for Chelsea, who are in the market for a senior striker before the window shuts to complement their array of younger options. Napoli's Victor Osimhen remains a target, though would likely cost more than Toney.

Brentford have omitted Toney from the matchday squad for their two opening games of the new Premier League season. Thomas Frank's side beat Nottingham Forest to begin the campaign before falling to Liverpool on Sunday.

Toney has scored 36 goals in 79 Premier League matches for the Bees and has worked his way into the England setup during his successful spell in west London. He played a key role from the bench on the Three Lions' run to the Euro 2024 final this summer.

Chelsea and United are in talks about another piece of transfer business, with a swap deal involving Raheem Sterling and Jadon Sancho in the works.

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