Brentford brace for big hit as Chelsea join Man Utd in pursuit of star man Ivan Toney

Brentford could soon lose a major asset, as Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in terms of interest in Ivan Toney.

Toney has been one of Brentford’s most crucial players over the past few seasons. He set the Championship alight in his first season at the club, netting 31 goals and providing 10 assists.

The striker made the step up to the Premier League with relative ease. He bagged 12 goals and provided five assists, as the Bees finished in 13th place.

He has begun the current season on the right foot, too. Toney has contributed to four goals in three Premier League games so far, against Leicester City, Manchester United and Fulham.

Indeed, seeing Toney leave would be a big loss for Brentford. They have already seen Christian Eriksen move on to Manchester United, and they will not want to see the back of another star player.

However, that may be the way things are going. United, who signed Eriksen on a free, have been linked with a move for Toney previously, which has cropped up again of late.

Now, both Chelsea and Everton have reportedly thrown their hats in the ring, per The Mirror.

Brentford are reportedly bracing themselves for a bid from one of the interested sides.

They may find it a struggle to keep hold of their star man if the likes of United and Chelsea do come calling.

However, they would surely make a decent fee for the striker, given his form over the past few seasons.

Toney ready to make step up

A move to one of Chelsea or United would be a step up in Toney’s career. From what he showed in the top flight last season, he is ready to make that step.

Toney was the joint third-highest scorer in the league among players not from a ‘big six’ club in 2021/22, scoring 12 goals. With more quality around him, he should be able to reach new heights.

Indeed, Chelsea seems a good move for the Englishman. The Blues are consistently battling within the top four, and look in good nick this season.

They have seen the back of Timo Werner and Romelu Lukaku this window, leaving their stocks up top low. As such, Toney could come in and make the position his own, and thrive towards the top of the table.