United hold ‘initial talks’ for ‘elite’ Chelsea target whose club desire a late window bidding war

Manchester United have reportedly tested the waters over a potential deal for Ivan Toney, despite the forward’s priority being a move to Chelsea.

The news comes courtesy of Standard Sport today, which claims United have ‘held initial talks’ over the Brentford talisman, who is expecting to complete a move away from the Gtech Stadium before Friday’s deadline.

Aware of Toney’s longstanding desire to leave, Thomas Frank has opted to leave the forward out of his squad for their opening Premier League fixtures, with senior figures now ‘concerned about the effect of reintegrating him into the group’, should a transfer fail to materialise.

The Bees board did rebuff an offer from Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Ahli but are aware that they risk losing the ‘elite’ England international for free next June unless a move can be facilitated either now or in January – though they would recuperate significantly less with six months left on his deal.

Read more: Erik ten Hag ‘opposed’ one United transfer this summer – but INEOS pushed for deal anyway

Blues consider late Toney approach with United waiting in the wings

As such, Chelsea are mulling over a late bid with hopes of adding Toney to an already overflowing dressing room at Stamford Bridge. United have held ‘preliminary conversations’ but are yet to accelerate their interest with any proposal.

Brentford, meanwhile, hope that the likes of United step up their efforts to sign the England international, as they desire a bidding war which would ideally culminate with them receiving around £40 million from his sale.