Manchester United have held talks with Brentford over a sensational swoop for Ivan Toney ahead of Friday’s transfer deadline.
Toney is eager to leave Brentford this week, left out of the Bees squad by head coach Thomas Frank for their opening two matches of the new Premier League season.
With the England striker in the final year of his contract, the Londoners may have to settle for less than their £50million asking price with Chelsea making their move to sign the 28-year-old on Tuesday.
United however also remain interested in a late deal with the Evening Standard reporting ‘preliminary’ talks have taken place between the two clubs.
Erik ten Hag’s side are already looking short of goals two games into the season with Rasmus Hojlund missing the start of the campaign.
Toney’s preference however is to join Chelsea this week, the report adds.
Brentford hope United’s interest could spark a bidding war between the two Premier League sides for the striker.
Saudi Arabian outfit Al-Ahli have also had an initial bid for Toney rejected.
United managed to score just 57 goals in 38 league games last season, the worst tally in the top 10 as the finished with a negative goal difference for the first time in 34 years.
Hojlund, their top scorer last season, suffered a hamstring injury during pre-season and is not expected to return until after September’s international break.
Joshua Zirkzee was brought in as another option up top this summer, scoring a late winner on his debut against Fulham.
But United again looked toothless in attack as they fell to a 2-1 defeat to Brighton last Saturday.
The club have already made four signings this summer with Manuel Ugarte set to become their fifth this week.
The Uruguay international will join from Paris Saint-German in a deal worth around £50million.
The 23-year-old has arrived in the UK to complete his medical and could be in contention to make the squad for Sunday’s showdown against Liverpool.
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