Manchester United co-owner could run salt on Chelsea’s wounds if £50 million player remain in the market for reinforcements this week

Manchester United co-owner could run salt on Chelsea’s wounds if £50 million player remain in the market for reinforcements this week

Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Sir Jim Ratcliffe has orchestrated a rebuild of the United squad

 

Manchester United could leave Chelsea short-changed in the transfer window if they decide to press on in their pursuit of Ivan Toney.

 

The Red Devils have splashed the cash already this summer, bolstering their ranks at both ends of the pitch with the acquisitions of Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee.

 

With Manuel Ugarte’s move from Paris Saint-Germain appearing imminent, the Red Devils are now assessing whether there are any late deals available to them. Thus, they could acquire the services of an experienced striker as they’d hoped earlier in the window.

 

Toney remains available after he was left out of Brentford’s matchday squad for their opening two matches of the season. Chelsea have recently reignited their interest in the England international, having failed to strike a deal for Victor Osimhen.

 

According to The Guardian, the Blues are set to ‘test the resolve’ of Brentford by making an offer which falls short of their £50million asking price for Toney. However, the Bees are no fools in negotiations despite their No. 17’s contract expiring next summer.

 

They rejected an offer worth £35m from Saudi Arabian outfit Al Ahli recently, highlighting that they won’t accept any bids they do not deem suitable.

 

Ivan Toney

Ivan Toney is available for £50million (Image: Getty)

Therefore, if Chelsea plan on trying to strike a lesser deal for Toney then they will leave the door open for an approach from another club, including United.

 

The Red Devils have shown interest in the former Peterborough star previously and he could be viewed as the ideal player to be a role model to the likes of Rasmus Hojlund and Zirkzee, who are both raw talents who could thrive under mentorship from an experienced player.

 

 

United are set to lose two of their attacking options this week, with Jadon Sancho expected to depart and Scott McTominay, who Erik ten Hag has used as a makeshift striker previously, closing in on a move to Napoli.

 

Victor Osimhen

Chelsea have reportedly put an end to their pursuit of Victor Osimhen (Image: Getty)

Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe rules that signing £50m Toney is necessary business.

 

Chelsea’s pursuit of the England frontman being hijacked by a rival would in turn prompt the club to scour the market for last-minute deals – or it could prompt Todd Boehly to green light a big-money move for Osimhen, which would impact their business in the future.

 

A busy summer shows no signs of letting up at Old Trafford

 

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is being linked with a move to Manchester United

Dominic Calvert-Lewin is being linked with a move to Manchester United (REUTERS)

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Manchester United are close to confirming a deal to tighten up their midfield with the capture of Manuel Ugarte from Paris Saint-Germain, who is expected to be unveiled ahead of the side’s Premier League showdown with Liverpool on Sunday.

 

Ugarte’s arrival might not be the end of the Red Devils’ transfer activity this summer, with a plethora of reports suggesting there is still likely to be major ins and outs before the window closes on Friday night. The futures of many big names –including Jadon Sancho and Raheem Sterling – are up in the air as the summer rolls to a close.

 

United have worked effectively in the off season, bringing Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Noussair Mazraoui and Matthijs de Ligt to Old Trafford, while moving on more players than we’re used to seeing at a club that has been notoriously bad at cutting loose talent that is surplus to requirements.

 

Receiving fees for Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Willy Kambwala, Facundo Pellistri and Mason Greenwood is a sign of INEOS’ growing influence on the books. Hannibal Mejbri has also net the club about £9 million with his move to Burnley completed.

 

A deal has been agreed for Manchester United to sign Manuel Ugarte

A deal has been agreed for Manchester United to sign Manuel Ugarte (PA Archive)

 

Scott McTominay is likely to be added to that list. United have an agreement in principle with Napoli, with the Scottish midfielder on his way to Italy to complete his move.

 

Supporters can expect more activity before Friday’s cut-off, particularly centered around the chaos currently ongoing at Chelsea. The Todd Boehly regime has signed many surprising players, and in recent days made it extremely clear the likes of Sterling and Ben Chilwell are no longer part of the club’s vision. Sterling’s name is now being pushed as someone of potential interest to United, although perhaps overzealously at this stage.

 

Sky Sports report that United and Chelsea are in talks for two separate deals around Sterling and Sancho. The Blues are keen on Sancho, who spent last season on loan at Borussia Dortmund and hope to include a player going in the opposite direction.

 

 

However, the report indicates United aren’t under pressure to replace Sancho and that bringing in Sterling would need to make financial sense. Sterling earns in excess of £300,000 per week at Stamford Bridge; the type of wage Ineos are trying to quash during their early tenure with United. Juventus may also pounce with a loan offer for Sancho, so we can expect this one to roll right until the deadline.

 

Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho arrives to face Brighton

Manchester United’s Jadon Sancho arrives to face Brighton (Action Images via Reuters)

One new name linked to Erik ten Hag’s side is Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who, according to Football Insider, is under consideration from the likes of United, Chelsea and Newcastle United.

 

The 27-year-old has reportedly turned down multiple attempts from Everton to extend his contract and would be able to sign a pre-agreement with another club for a free transfer in January. This would be a major blow for Everton, who are currently struggling for cash amidst the costly changeover to their new stadium at the end of the season.

 

O’Rourke suggests Newcastle were priced out of a move for the striker earlier in the summer, similar to United with defender Jarrad Branthwaite, as Everton aim to capture significant fees for their biggest assets.