Man Utd, Chelsea receive major blow in race for England striker as surprise suitors emerge

Manchester United and Chelsea are among several clubs considering a move for Ivan Toney, but Brentford are holding firm on their huge price tag, according to reports.

It’s no secret that the England striker is ready to leave the Bees this summer and a move looks likely given he has less than 12 months left on his contract.

Toney, 28, signed for Brentford in 2018 and scored 72 goals for the club – playing a key role in their promotion from the Championship and continued Premier League survival.

He scored an impressive 21 goals in 2022/23, while last term his progress was disrupted by an eight-month ban for gambling offences.

That hasn’t put off suitors for Toney, although Man Utd, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal have all been heavily linked with him in recent weeks.

There have been rumors that Brentford could sell Toney for £40m this summer due to his contract situation, but according to the independent, it is not the case.

The report claims that Thomas Frank’s side are holding out for £60million for the striker – questioning a move to one of the Premier League’s elite sides.

A surprise move to Saudi Arabia is now a possibility for the former Peterborough and Newcastle man.

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Saudi clubs consider Ivan Toney swoop

As we reported on Monday, several Saudi sides are considering a move for Toney before the transfer window closes.

Al-Ahli in particular are looking to pry him out of the Premier League. Al-Ahli, who already have the likes of Roberto Firmino and Riyad Mahrez on their books, have admired Toney since the winter and are considering making him a lucrative contract offer.

They also have the potential to blow any Man Utd bid for Toney out of the water as they are one of four clubs owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.

Toney is weighing his options and has yet to make a final decision on his next move.

Man Utd will now have to turn to other striker targets and Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin has emerged as an option in recent weeks.

Like Toney, his contract is set to expire next summer and negotiations for an extension are currently at a standstill.

Everton could be forced to sell if a sizeable offer is presented for the 27-year-old.

As for Chelsea, they are in talks with Atletico Madrid to re-sign Joao Felix, this time on a permanent move.

His best position is as a false nine, but he can also play as a center forward or left winger, so he could provide cover in multiple positions for the Blues.

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