West Ham United ‘serious contenders’ to complete move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney
West Ham are “serious contenders” to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.
Toney has been a major hit for Brentford in the Premier League, earning links with the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham.
However, with those clubs possibly looking elsewhere or ruling themselves out due to the fee, United have emerged as a possible destination.
Speaking on the Premier League All Access podcast [28 March, 26m 59s], Crook said: “Interestingly, on West Ham, I was told this week they are serious contenders for the signature of Ivan Toney.
“We thought might be snapped up by a bigger club in the Premier League. It shows how ambitious the [West Ham] owners are.”
Ivan Toney’s Premier League goals record
Toney has scored 36 goals in 78 Premier League appearances for Brentford, meaning he averages a goal pretty much every other game.
There is no wonder a number of teams are showing an interest in Toney, who netted from the penalty spot on his full England debut this week.
Brentford have made clear they want a large sum for the 28-year-old, though, potentially in the region of £80million or more.
West Ham simply cannot afford that price on the face of it, but there have been strong suggestions that Lucas Paqueta could be on his way to Manchester City.
Given the choice, supporters would rather keep Paqueta and bring in a cheaper striker, but that option may be taken out of the club’s hands.
Whether or not Toney can be persuaded to join is another matter, but the prospect of European football would certainly help on that front.
In other West Ham news, the club have reportedly made a last-ditch attempt to stop a player joining a Premier League rival.
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