Chelsea and Tottenham to battle for Saudi-based striker previously linked with Manchester United: Reports (Source: Images from Getty)
Chelsea and Tottenham to battle for Saudi-based striker previously linked with Manchester United: Reports (Source: Images from Getty)
Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are prepared to battle for Saudi-based striker Ivan Toney, who was previously linked with Manchester United. The 28-year-old forward was hard to ignore during his four years with Brentford, where he led their goalscoring charts with 72 goals in 141 games.
His clinical ability in front of goal led to his call-up to the England national team. It also led to a series of interested clubs vying for his services. This interest subsided by May 2023, when he was banned from playing professionally for eight months. He returned in January 2024, but scored just four goals from 17 games, raising questions about his level after the ban.
With other Premier League clubs like Manchester United not forthcoming with a bid to sign him, Toney eventually opted for a move to Al-Ahli. The Saudi Pro League side paid a reported £40 million to sign the forward, but new reports claim a return could be on the cards for Toney.
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According to Spanish outlet Fichajes (via The Hard Tackle), Chelsea and Tottenham are both monitoring his situation in Saudi Arabia. The Blues have stuck to Nicolas Jackson as their main striker, but having a proven Premier League striker could enhance their goalscoring and keep them in the top four.
Tottenham are also interested in a move for Toney, as they look to rise up the ranks and vie for Champions League spots. However, with Toney just joining Al-Ahli, the Saudi club will not let him leave on the cheap.
Manchester United particularly decided against Toney, as former manager Erik ten Hag was in doubt of the forward's ability to press opponents, according to ESPN (via GOAL). With new head coach Ruben Amorim now in charge of the Old Trafford dugout, the club could potentially review a deal for Toney if they deem it necessary.
Chelsea and Manchester United in the race for 21-yer-old striker
Chelsea and Manchester United are both in the race for 21-year-old Ipswich striker Liam Delap. However, they will need to be cautious about other clubs potentially usurping the deal. According to Mirror (via football.london), Juventus are working to sign Delap.
The report revealed that the Italian giants sent scouts to watch the 21-year-old play in Ipswich's 1-1 draw against Manchester United at Portman Road on November 24. They are looking to Delap as a potential replacement for their striker Dusan Vlahovic, who has yet to agree on a new contract.
Chelsea and United are said to be monitoring his situation at Portman Road. Ipswich manager Kieran McKenna has set aside any rumors about Delap's future, stating that the 21-year-old's "full focus is here and trying to help the team." This season, Delap has scored six goals and provided one assist in 13 Premier League appearances.