Manchester United 'leapfrog Arsenal, Chelsea in race for in-demand striker'

The England international is widely expected to leave the Bees during this summer's transfer window, and Arsenal and Chelsea had seemingly been the favourites to secure his signature.

However, Arsenal's interest is believed to have cooled in recent weeks, while Chelsea are thought to be looking at alternative options on the market, with the Blues also bidding to improve their attack this summer.

According to The Mirror, Man United have moved into a strong position to sign Toney, who only has a contract with Thomas Frank's side until the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

The report claims that the Red Devils view the 28-year-old as the ideal striker to complement Rasmus Hojlund, who has taken on a leading role in the team this season due to Anthony Martial's fitness problems.

Toney was in excellent form for Brentford during the 2022-23 campaign, scoring 21 times in 35 appearances in all competitions, with 20 of those goals coming in the Premier League.

Meanwhile, the forward has four goals in 13 Premier League appearances this season since returning from a betting-related suspension.

Brentford are expected to sell the Englishman this summer, although their head coach Frank has dismissed claims that the striker could be available for around £30m.

«Normally I don't go into these price labels, but I would say that's very cheap for a 20-goal goalscorer in the Premier League,» the Brentford boss told reporters during his press conference at the end of last week.

Toney made the move to Brentford from Peterborough United in September 2020, and he has represented his current side on 137