Frank McAvennie raves about Ivan Toney amid reported West Ham talks
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Frank McAvennie would be delighted if West Ham were to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford in the summer amid reports the Irons are in talks with the striker’s representatives.
Claret & Hugh reported last week that the Hammers have been in discussions over a potential summer deal for the 25-year-old, who’s scored 30 goals in 44 Championship appearances this season for the Bees.
The Sun has more recently reported that Brentford want £35million for Toney with Chelsea also interested in signing him.
Toney has recently confirmed that he discussed a move to Celtic last year before eventually joining Brentford from Peterborough.
Ex-West Ham and Celtic striker McAvennie is gutted that one of his former clubs missed out on the in-form Championship ace but hopes that the Irons are able to clinch a deal.
“He’s a good player,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone. “My god, he was talking to [former Celtic boss Neil] Lennon on a Zoom call. It was all done so I don’t know why it didn’t happen but he’s a big-money player, he’s worth a lot of money now.
“I think he’s a good player, I think he’s a player that could easily with David Moyes, who could play him and [Michail] Antonio.
“We need another striker of his ilk, that’s for sure. Definitely need someone like him.
“They’re both scoring goals and he’s a team player, which is what Moyes is all about.”
Toney has scored goals for fun in the Championship this season and there’s no doubt that he’s going to cost around the £30million after Aston Villa bought Ollie Watkins for a similar fee from Brentford last year.
Watkins has since done well at Villa Park and played his way into the England squad so why can’t Toney do the same?
He’s been prolific for a few seasons now, banging in goals for both Brentford and Peterborough.
If he heads to the London Stadium, let’s hope he can continue to do that in claret and blue.
In other West Ham news, the Hammers have been tipped to beat Aston Villa to this “major signing”.
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