Chelsea shortlist Ivan Toney amid striker search but bid hinges on betting charges

Chelsea have added Brentford’s Ivan Toney to their shortlist amid their search for a new striker this summer but could face a stumbling block in their bid to sign him.

According to the Evening Standard, any deal to sign the England international will depend on the outcome of his Football Association (FA) betting charges.

Toney was initially charged by the FA in November with over 232 alleged breaches of betting rules tallied over four years, and 30 more were added in December.

The 27-year-old has appeared in front of a disciplinary panel and is contesting many of the charges but could yet face a lengthy ban after pleading guilty to some.

No date has been set to decide the striker’s fate, but the axe is waiting to fall, and it could scupper any potential Brentford exit plans this summer.

Toney has been in blistering form for the Bees this season, bagging 20 goals and four assists in 33 Premier League appearances.

The Englishman became the first Brentford player to score 20+ goals in over 80 years since Dave McCulloch achieved the feat in 1938.

Toney’s performances has seen several Premier League giants line up for his signature, and Chelsea are the latest to show interest. But his betting charges could prove a major stumbling block.

Chelsea are in the market for a new striker amid plans for a summer rebuild under Mauricio Pochettino, who has agreed terms to take over as manager.

The Blues already have several targets on their radar, including Inter Milan’s Lautaro Martinez, who has been in impressive form for the Nerazzurri this season, scoring 20 Serie A goals.

His competitor for the Serie A golden boot Victor Osimhen is also on Chelsea’s radar, with the Blues plotting an audacious bid for the Napoli marksman.