By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

10th Sep, 2023 | 7:20am

Sources: Chelsea told £70m+ could seal January Ivan Toney deal

Brentford could ask for £70millon-plus for striker Ivan Toney in the January window amid interest from Chelsea, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the Bees would be reluctant to lose the striker mid-season with little prospect of securing an adequate replacement.

Toney, 27, returns to Brentford training on 17 September after being suspended from all football-related activity back in May.

He cannot play until 17 January.

Despite his layoff, it is believed Chelsea will face competition for the striker’s signature in the winter transfer window.

Football Insider revealed last month (27 August) that Tottenham also have a strong interest in the banned Brentford striker.

Sources have revealed there was no chance of Toney moving during the summer window while the ban was ongoing.

But Chelsea are ready to throw their hat into the ring in January despite signing Nicolas Jackson and Christopher Nkunku over the off-season.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side are keen to add a more prolific goalscorer – with Toney certainly fitting the bill.

The England international managed 21 goals and five assists in 35 games across all competitions last season – including a best-ever return of 20 strikes in the Premier League.

Toney, who earns a reported wage of just £20,000-a-week, is out of contract in June 2025.

He also managed 14 goals and six assists across all competitions in the 2021-22 season – his first in the top flight.

The forward also has a stellar penalty record, scoring 29 career spot-kicks and missing from 12 yards only twice.

In other news, Chelsea blocked Wolves from signing French sensation.