Chelsea eye Ivan Toney in potential £80 million transfer ahead of deadline day

A big-money deal involving Ivan Toney and Chelsea could be one to watch ahead of transfer deadline day.

It's fair to say Mauricio Pochettino has been backed by Chelsea owner Todd Boehly and his consortium this summer. So far, the Blues have spent around £344 million on transfers in this window alone.

Moises Caicedo has joined for a British record £115 million, while Romeo Lavia, Axel Disasi, Christopher Nkunku and Lesley Ugochukwu also arrived at Stamford Bridge for hefty fees.

The Premier League side have made a number of attacking additions to their squad, including Nicolas Jackson from Villarreal for a reported £31.8 million, but it appears Chelsea aren't done just yet.

In fact, Pochettino is keen to sign a forward who can play across the attack, according to The Independent, who suggest Nottingham Forest forward Brennan Johnson could be an option.

But it appears Brentford striker Ivan Toney is the most likely to make the switch across West London this summer.

The 27-year-old, who was suspended from all football-related activity for eight months in May for breaching The FA’s Betting Rules, is someone that fits Pochettino's needs.

And according to the above report, there is an increasing feeling a deal could be struck in the last few days of the window.

That being said, Brentford will hold out for £80 million for their star striker.

Image credit: Getty

Earlier this month, Toney revealed his admiration for Premier League rivals Liverpool and Arsenal after being asked about 'the right club' during an appearance on the Diary Of A CEO podcast.

After saying he wants to play "at the top", Toney said if the chance did come along to play for a club challenging for trophies, then he would be "silly" not to look into it.

"Whenever that time comes, so be it," he said. "My time at Brentford has been good; one of the best times of my career."

Toney went on to say that if he was to move, then the next club would be "the right one".

Bartlett was quick to question his statement, saying: "When you say the right club, you're not talking about Liverpool, are you? I heard you're a Liverpool fan..."

Toney responded: “I have been a Liverpool fan my whole life, but I have liked Arsenal... I like watching Arsenal and how they play and kind of how passionate the fans are.

"But, yeah, Liverpool fan, Liverpool boy at heart."