Yahoo Sports Tottenham chasing Brentford striker Ivan Toney
Tottenham Hotspur are emerging as the frontrunners to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to The Sun.
The Bees have been forced to lower their asking price for their star forward, and Spurs are now at the forefront of the race to sign him.
Brentford wanted to spark a bidding war for Toney, who returned from a suspension for betting breaches in January. They slapped an £80 million price tag on the England international.
However, a lack of interest from Premier League giants has forced the Bees to adjust their expectations.
Arsenal, Chelsea, and Manchester United have all signalled they won’t be making bids, leaving Tottenham and West Ham United as the most likely suitors.
Brentford have been planning for Toney’s departure for some time, even signing his replacement, Brazilian forward Igor Thiago, for a club-record £31 million in February.
Accommodating both strikers would be challenging for manager Thomas Frank, forcing Brentford to reconsider their demands.
Tottenham can be the perfect landing spot for Toney. Spurs desperately need a clinical striker to allow Heung-Min Son to move back to his favoured position on the flanks, and the former Newcastle United star fits the bill.
The 28-year-old is also keen on a move and has publicly expressed his desire to join a top club that wins trophies.
However, Tottenham’s pursuit of Toney hinges on offloading Brazilian winger Richarlison, who has interest from the Saudi Pro League.
Toney gives Tottenham a different dimension
When Spurs sold Harry Kane last summer, chairman Daniel Levy never brought in a replacement, but he could hand manager Ange Postcoglou the perfect summer gift in the form of the Brentford star.
Toney gives Tottenham a different dimension at centre-forward. He has incredible hold-up play and can connect with teammates. He can also attack aerial crosses. Spurs missed this element in front last term.
The Northampton-born forward is a clinical finisher, as evidenced by his 20 goals and four assists (12 big chances created) in the 2022/23 season.
After shaking off the rust from his betting suspension, he will be primed for another stellar campaign and could be the man to spearhead Spurs to titles next season.
