Man Utd plot Chelsea hijack as £50m PL star decides ‘priority’ with ‘late bidding war’ mooted

Manchester United have reportedly joined the race to sign Brentford forward Ivan Toney as they are plotting a ‘late deal’ before the transfer window closes.

So far this summer, the Red Devils made four signings as they have invested around £150m to sign Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui.

Man Utd are closing in on their fifth summer signing as PSG star Manuel Ugarte is set to join the Premier League giants before the transfer window shuts on Friday night.

It remains to be seen whether Man Utd will move for a sixth signing but it is being reported that they remain in the market for a new striker.

On Wednesday morning, it was revealed that Man Utd are among the clubs ‘considering’ a move to sign Dominic Calvert-Lewin from Everton, while Toney is an alternative option.

Toney scored 20 Premier League goals during the 2022/23 campaign but he struggled after returning from his betting ban last season. He only grabbed four goals in his 17 appearances during the run-in.

Despite this, Toney has been heavily linked with potential moves elsewhere throughout this window and Brentford could cash in as he has entered the final year of his contract.

READ: Euro giants ‘begin negotiations’ for £38m Man Utd man as Everton make ‘approach’ for Red Devils flop

Saudi Pro League side Al-Ahli have failed with a £38m bid for Toney, who is attracting interest from Premier League clubs before Friday’s deadline.

Chelsea remain in the market for a new striker and they are considering signing Toney, while Man Utd have ‘held talks’ with Brentford.

This is according to a report from The Evening Standard, who claim Man Utd have ‘held initial talks over a late deal’ to sign Toney. However, it is pointed out that he has a clear ‘priority’ in mind.

‘Securing a move to Chelsea remains the forward’s priority ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.

‘Toney has made clear that he hopes to leave Brentford before the window shuts and the Bees face being forced to settle for a deal some way below their initial £50million asking price, or else risk losing the England international for nothing next summer.’

MORE MAN UTD COVERAGE ON F365…
👉 Chelsea legend tells new boss Maresca to sign ‘fantastic’ Man Utd man amid swap rumours
👉 Man Utd: ‘Key’ detail ‘unlocked’ Ugarte deal with Ronaldo namedropped amid ‘mend bridges’ claim
👉 Ex-Man Utd star urges Ten Hag to drop £60m flop against Liverpool in favour of new signing

‘Chelsea are considering making an offer as Enzo Maresca looks to add a new striker to the club’s glut of summer signings, while Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli have had an initial bid rejected.

‘However, Standard Sport understands there have also been preliminary conversations between Man Utd and Brentford over a potential deal.

‘Negotiations are not yet at a serious stage and the Old Trafford club are yet to make a formal offer, but Brentford are hopeful that any interest could drive a bidding war with Chelsea that would see them secure around £40m for Toney.’