Chelsea lining up approach for English striker?

Chelsea are preparing a formal approach for Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of the January transfer window.

Toney had a terrific 2022/23 season with the Bees. He netted 21 goals across all competitions before he was banned by FA for betting breaches.

His suspended does not end until mid-January, but the Blues are already working behind the scenes to land his signature ahead of their rivals.

The club have started tentative talks with his representatives at Stellar and they are optimistic of securing a deal for him at the turn of the year.

London counterparts Arsenal are also interested in the marksman, but it is unclear whether they will spend big on his services this winter.

The Gunners are more likely to pursue a new striker next summer and this could put the Blues in pole position to sign the Englishman.

Toney has publicly revealed his ambition to pursue a bigger challenge and may have already played his final game for Thomas Frank's side.