Manchester United-linked striker eyed by Chelsea in late transfer 'move' in this window

Chelsea have made a ‘move’ to sign Manchester United-linked striker Ivan Toney from Brentford amid interest in the player from Saudi Arabia, according to Sky Sports reporter Kaveh Solhekol on X.

The attacker’s future is up in the air between now and the end of the transfer window on Friday. The Red Devils are ‘interested’ in the Premier League man, as per Forbes, but are yet to make a move. Talk of him switching to Old Trafford has gone cold over recent weeks, possibly due to Joshua Zirkzee’s arrival instead.

United, meanwhile, have reached an agreement to sign Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain in the final week of the summer transfer window. With that, it is understood that United have filled all their priority positions now and are not actively looking to sign anyone else. They will be open to any opportunities that arise though. Toney was part of England’s squad at Euro 2024 in Germany and helped the Three Lions reach the final of the tournament. However, they lost to Spain in the final in Berlin and Gareth Southgate subsequently left his position.

Chelsea could see him as someone to add more competition and depth to their striking department. They have had a busy summer under former Manchester City coach Enzo Maresca and are showing no signs of slowing down just yet.

During Euro 2024, Toney had this to say on his future: “I can’t predict the future and if I could I wouldn’t be sat here in front of you guys. What will be will be and my main focus is playing well and doing well for my country. I’ve been through it before. There’s been lots of talk of me going here, there and everywhere before in my career and I just don’t let outside noise get to me. I’m here with England now and the main focus is doing well for England and whatever happens, happens. I can’t control it.

"From 18 when I was supposed to go to Wolves and I was all excited and getting involved in all of it, then it didn’t happen. It hurt me. Since then, I thought: 'Why am I trying to take control of things when I don’t need that pressure?'. I just let people who take care of those things do it and I focus on the pitch."

He has also had spells in the past at Northampton Town, Newcastle United, Barnsley, Wigan Athletic and Peterborough United and has adapted with ease to life in the top flight since Brentford’s promotion from the Championship under Thomas Frank. However, it remains to be seen if he will stay put.

United have Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee in his position and although they may have considered Toney over recent times, it seems unlikely they will lodge a late approach for him amid competition from Chelsea and from the Middle East. He has a big decision to make on where he wants to go next, if he is to indeed part ways with the Bees in the near future.