West Ham United to be on red alert as Ivan Toney makes Brentford contract decision
West Ham United are still in the market for a new striker this summer as Julen Lopetegui looks to put his stamp on the Hammers squad.
Jhon Duran has been one name frequently linked with a move to the London Stadium, but reports suggest he is just one of a number of targets being considered by Tim Steidten and his recruitment team [Evening Standard, 9 July].
Another player who is understood to be on the Irons’ radar is Ivan Toney, with the belief being only Lopetegui’s side and Tottenham remain interested in signing him this summer [Sun Sport, 18 July].
Because of a lack of competition for his signature, the Bees have reportedly taken the decision to slash their asking price for the forward to below £50million as he enters the final year of his contract.
However, a new contract decision will have likely perked the interest of Steidten and Lopetegui after an update emerged surrounding Toney’s long-term future.
According to BBC Sport journalist Nizaar Kinsella (23 July), the England international is currently unwilling to negotiate a new contract with Brentford, even if he doesn’t leave during the summer transfer window.
Should the 28-year-old be available as a free agent in 12 months’ time, he is expected to have more options available to him and therefore the competition for his signature could well increase.
Will West Ham United sign Ivan Toney in the summer transfer window?
This latest development will have had the Hammers on red alert as it could see them drastically change their transfer plans this summer.
Toney’s decision to not pen a new deal could mean they could negotiate an even lower asking price for the forward this summer, but it will also make it much harder for them to sign him next year as the race will be much more competitive.
Steidten now has to make a decision on whether or not to try and bring the England striker to West Ham and if he decides to pursue a deal, he needs to decide what he is willing to pay.
This latest contract update could change a lot of things at the London Stadium.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers’ stance on selling Alphonse Areola this summer has been shared amid links with Saudi Arabia
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