West Ham United: ‘Shock’ twist in Hammers hunt to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney
West Ham are keen on signing Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer – but Manchester United have emerged as “shock” contenders, according to the Sunday People.
The report on page 53, 14 April suggests that the Red Devils see Toney – who is valued between £40million and £50million – as the perfect replacement for Anthony Martial, who is set to leave the West London club upon the expiry of his contract in June.
Arsenal and Chelsea, meanwhile, have been credited with interest in the past but the former have “cooled their interest”, while the latter are thought to be “prioritising alternative striker targets”.
The Sunday People adds that Brentford will only sell on their terms with the Irons in pursuit of the England international.
West Ham United face stiff competition for Ivan Toney
With Toney entering the final 12 months of his Brentford contract this summer, West Ham will have been keen to capitalise and strengthen an area of weakness.
Michail Antonio remains the club’s most trusted natural centre-forward but missed over two months of the campaign with a knee injury and, at the age of 34, cannot be relied upon to start every game.
The club’s other natural options – Danny Ings and Divin Mubama – have been entrusted with less than 900 minutes across all competitions between them, with Jarrod Bowen preferred as an alternative up front when Antonio has not been fit.
Toney, therefore, would certainly improve the side and allow Bowen to feature more regularly in his preferred right-wing role, with Antonio able to act as quality cover for the England international.
However, Manchester United’s interest throws a potential spanner in the works, with the Red Devils likely to be able to offer a more attractive financial package.
The Hammers will hope that, one way or another, they can land their man against the odds this summer.
In other West Ham news, on-loan midfielder Flynn Downes scored a controversial goal for Southampton.
For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.