Ivan Toney's betting ban has inadvertently caused Manchester United to have a transfer headache.
Toney has been suspended from all football-related activities for eight months for violating the Football Association's betting rules.
The Brentford striker's suspension will take effect immediately, meaning he will miss the final two games of the season against Tottenham on Saturday and Manchester City on the final day.
After admitting to the charges, Toney will be banned from playing until 16 January 2024 and fined £50,000. Furthermore, he will not be allowed to train with teammates in Brentford until September 17. Advertisement
The 27-year-old was charged with 262 breaches of FA Rule E8 between 25 February 2017 and 23 January 2021. The FA subsequently withdrew 30 of those violations and Toney admitted 232 remaining violations.
Toney, who has scored 21 goals in 35 appearances for Brentford this season, has the right to appeal the penalty. However, if the ban is upheld, it could have consequences for a number of Premier League teams this summer.
Man Utd's Ivan Toney has a headache
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According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea will no longer pursue Toney's interest and will aim for other options. However, the publication suggests that the Blues could turn their attention to Inter Milan's Lautaro Martinez or Napoli's Victor Osimhen, the latter of whom have also been targeted by United.
Osimhen is one of Europe's most coveted strikers, scoring 28 goals and providing five assists as Napoli won their first Serie A title in 33 years.
And United are said to be mulling over signing the Nigeria international or Tottenham striker Harry Kane this summer.
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The club are keen to bring in a new striker, as they cannot count on the fitness of Anthony Martial or the quality of loanee Wout Weghorst.
Of course, if Chelsea turn their attention to Osimhen, it could complicate United's approach to the Napoli star. While the Blues will not be able to qualify for next season's Champions League, under Todd Boehly they have shown a willingness to beat rivals in terms of transfer fees and wages.
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