Chelsea are preparing a bid for Brentford forward Ivan Toney with an ‘increasing feeling a deal could be struck’ in the final days of the transfer window.
Mauricio Pochettino wants to add another centre-forward to his options and the Blues are weighing up a big bid for Toney, who has scored 32 Premier League goals across the last two seasons for Brentford.
Toney is currently suspended until January after being hit with a ban for breaching the FA’s gambling rules, but Chelsea remain interested in a deal and believe an agreement could be reached before Friday’s transfer deadline.
The Independent are reporting that Chelsea could make an offer for the 27-year-old, who made his England debut in March. Only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane scored more Premier League goals than Toney (20) last season, with Brentford valuing the forward at around £80m.
There is understood to be an ‘increasing feeling’ from Chelsea that an agreement could be reached, given Toney’s current absence from Thomas Frank’s squad. Toney’s eight-month ban began in May and he will be free to resume playing on January 16, 2024.
Gareth Southgate called Toney’s ban ‘not ideal’ ahead of next summer’s European Championship, but insisted the forward would have time upon his return to Premier League action to place himself in contention for a role in the England squad.
