MY ACCOUNT
Despite a potential gambling ban hanging over him, Ivan Toney still appears to be a man in demand.
The Brentford striker has been in sensational form this season, with only Erling Haaland and Harry Kane outscoring his tally of 15 strikes in the Premier League.
Ahead of facing Southampton tonight, we look at five potential destinations for the prolific Bees ace.
Manchester United
There is little doubt that a new No9 will be Erik ten Hag’s top priority at Manchester United, with loanee Wout Weghorst currently filling a gap in that position this campaign.
England captain Kane is believed to be the man the Red Devils want most but with Tottenham expected to hold firm on their star man once again this summer, Toney is sure to be considered.
The physical forward certainly has the self-belief to star at Old Trafford and with 27 Premier League goals since the start of last season, has the goalscoring record to go with it.
Chelsea
Even after spending more than £500million since Todd Boehly’s takeover, Chelsea are still lacking a natural marksman.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is unfancied, Armando Broja injured and Romelu Lukaku out on loan, leaving Kai Havertz as the Blues’ makeshift spearhead.
With a number of new faces beginning to show their quality, 26-year-old Toney could well prove to be the missing piece of the jigsaw for Graham Potter in West London.
Tottenham
Though Spurs’ top priority will be to keep hold of Kane, they would be foolish not to plan for a scenario in which their all-time leading scorer departs.
Aside from his tendency to find the net, Kane’s ability to hold the ball up and link with team-mates is what makes him so crucial to Antonio Conte’s side and are parts of the game Toney has in abundance.
In that situation, a switch to North London could present the former Peterborough favourite with the best opportunity for minutes among the big-six teams.
That will be pivotal to his hopes of finally breaking into Gareth Southgate’s plans with the Three Lions.
Everton
Given the controversies surrounding Toney right now, there is every chance one of the Premier League’s big hitters may feel it is wise to pursue other targets.
That could open up an opportunity for Everton — who have a long-term interest in the Northampton academy graduate and are desperate for a goalscorer — to sneak in and land his signature.
Though switching from mid-table Brentford to a team regularly involved in relegation battles may seem a step down for the player.
That said, the savvy West London outfit have shown willingness to sell their best assets at the right time so could be all for accepting a big offer from the Merseyside strugglers.
West Ham
Michail Antonio is far from a regular goalscorer for West Ham and the signing of Gianluca Scamacca has not worked, forcing them to swoop for Danny Ings in January.
The ex-Aston Villa man has made a steady start but does not look like a No9 suited to David Moyes’ set-up either, leaving the Irons with another potential problem in the summer.
Glaswegian boss Moyes has admitted the Hammers tried to sign Toney previously and they could well be tempted to go back in for him as goals continue to prove an issue.
