Chelsea and Manchester United to make late move for PL striker valued at £60m - Reports 

Chelsea and Manchester United are reportedly set to test Brentford's resolve as they eye late moves for their striker Ivan Toney. The Englishman is valued at £60 million by the Bees.

Toney, 28, has been a stellar performer for Brentford since his first-team debut in the 2020-21 season, registering 72 goals and 23 assists in 141 games across competitions. The tally includes 36 goals and 11 assists in 83 outings in the Premier League, capturing the attention of top clubs in the division.

It's pertinent to note that Toney's contract with Brentford runs out next summer, so the club might want to cash in on their star man rather than lose him for free in a year's time.

The Independent reports that the Bees are steadfast in their £60 million valuation of Toney. But with the transfer window closing in less than three weeks, the Blues and United still fancy their chances of snapping up the striker.

It's pertinent to note that Toney is apparently not desirous of a contract extension with the Bees, which has seen his asking price drop from £100 million in January.

Both United and the Blues would benefit from the addition of Toney, with the latter seemingly making little progress in their pursuit of Napoli hitman Victor Osimhen. While the Red Devils' priority is midfield at the moment, they might not want to miss out on the chance of signing Toney on a potentially cut-price deal.

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What's next for Manchester United and Chelsea?

Manchester United have commenced their 2024-25 season with a shootout loss to Manchester City in the FA Community Shield on Saturday (August 10). After breaking the deadlock through Alejandro Garnacho in the 82nd minute, they conceded an 89th-minute equaliser to Bernardo Silva seven minutes later.

In the ensuing shootout, the Red Devils led 2-0 and then 3-1, but misses from Jadon Sancho and Jonny Evans meant that Pep Guardiola's side ran out 7-6 victors to snap a three-game losing streak in the Community Shield.

United now turn their attention to the Premier League, where they host Fulham on Friday (August 16). Meanwhile, Chelsea take on four-time defending champions City at home two days later.

It's pertinent to note that Chelsea lost 4-2 to City during their pre-season tour of the US. The Italian arrived at Stamford Bridge this summer, replacing Mauricio Pochettino, after guiding Leicester City back to the Premier League on their first attempt by winning the Championship.