MANCHESTER UNITED have held talks over a deal for Ivan Toney, according to reports.
The striker is expected to make a late transfer with several clubs interested.
Toney looked set to move to Saudi Arabia until Chelsea made a move to sign the England striker on Tuesday.
Enzo Maresca’s side reportedly remains Toney’s preferred option but United have held preliminary talks over a transfer, according to the Evening Standard.
It is believed United are yet to make a formal offer for the striker, who could be available for less than his £50million asking price.
Toney, 28, is in the final year of his contract at Brentford and the Bees are hopeful of starting a bidding war between the two Premier League giants.
Thomas Frank left Toney out of his squad for his opening two Prem matches and admitted Toney is likely to leave before Friday’s transfer deadline.
The Brentford boss said: “There is a lot of things going on for Ivan, especially on transfers.
“There is some transfer interest, nothing closed yet but things are happening, so because of all that we decided not to involve in the squad.”
Toney was initially valued at £70m by Brentford but they have slashed their asking price to £45m due to his contract situation.
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Meanwhile, Chelsea have offered Raheem Sterling in exchange for United outcast Jadon Sancho, with the winger not part of Maresca’s plans.
Sterling is said to be open to joining Man Utd but wants to resolve his contract situation at Stamford Bridge first, with a £70m pay-off requiring some negotiation.
