Man United 'to rival Chelsea' for late striker deal as talks 'opened'

Manchester United have reportedly held discussions with Brentford over a possible deal for Ivan Toney in the closing stages of the summer transfer window.

Toney continues to be linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia, but Chelsea are believed to be firmly in the race for the England international, with the Blues thought to be determined to beat Al-Ahli to his signature.

According to the London Evening Standard, there is also interest from Man United, with the Red Devils exploring the possibility of signing the Brentford striker before Friday's deadline.

The report claims that there have been 'preliminary conversations' between Man United and Brentford over a move for the Englishman, but Chelsea are still leading the English interest.

The 28-year-old has not featured for Brentford in the early stages of the 2024-25 Premier League season due to the speculation surrounding his future.

© Imago

Man United 'make late move' for Toney

Brentford had allegedly been looking for around £50m for Toney this summer, but the Bees are now likely to accept a fee of £40m, as his contract is due to expire in June 2025.

Toney has scored 36 goals and registered 11 assists in 85 Premier League appearances during his professional career, so he is proven at the top level of English football.

Man United have added Joshua Zirkzee to their squad this summer, while Rasmus Hojlund is expected to return from a hamstring problem in the middle of September.

However, Jadon Sancho is expected to leave the Red Devils in the closing stages of the market, and Erik ten Hag's side are said to open to bringing in another forward late on.

Raheem Sterling continues to be linked with a move to Man United as part of a swap deal involving Sancho, but a lot would need to happen for the two to switch clubs late in the window.

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Will Man United sign Toney?

Despite the latest developments, a move for Toney to Old Trafford is unlikely, as Man United are prioritising a deal for Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte in the latter stages of the window.

Ugarte's transfer could be confirmed over the next 24 hours, with the Uruguay international in line to make his debut for the club in Sunday's Premier League game against Liverpool.

A move for Sterling would be as part of a Sancho swap, so the Red Devils would not have to pay a fee for him.

Brentford want around £40m for Toney, though, and unless there is a surprise outgoing at Old Trafford in the final stages of the market, then it is difficult to imagine a move taking place.

Chelsea are believed to be stepping up their efforts to bring in the Englishman, and it is a lot more likely that he will move to Stamford Bridge before the transfer window closes.

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