Ivan Toney, an England striker, is reportedly being pursued by Brentford and West Ham United, but formal talks have not yet taken place, according to Fabrizio Romano.
Recent reports have suggested that the Hammers, under David Moyes, are now strong contenders to sign the England international in the summer transfer window [Alex Crook, 28 March].
The transfer expert Romano acknowledges that Brentford will be eager to decide the England international’s future prior to the European Championships, but he has not stated that anything has been decided at the London Stadium.
“I have no concrete update on the Ivan Toney situation,” he wrote in his Daily Briefing column on April 2, despite fresh reports that West Ham has unexpectedly emerged as the front-runner for the England international.
“Although there is obviously interest in a player as good as Toney, I’m not aware of any formal negotiations with any club at this time. However, the strikers’ domino effect is still early.
“Toney wasn’t even close to leaving in January, despite all the things we’ve heard about him in the last few months. His future will be resolved before the Euros, but as of right now, nothing is certain.
Will Ivan Toney, the star player for Brentford, end up at West Ham United?
At the London Stadium, West Ham has long needed a new number nine. Toney would undoubtedly fill the void and improve the Hammers’ offensive options before the new campaign begins.
Although Jarrod Bowen has performed admirably when playing out of position this season and Michail Antonio has shown promise recently, neither player is the kind of reliable number nine that a Premier League team vying for a spot in Europe needs.
With his stellar goal record in the Premier League, Toney is sure to have plenty of suitors in the top flight of England and abroad this summer. Though it’s unclear if the Hammers can or will win that race, they seem to be in the running.
As Romano has suggested, the Brentford forward’s future will hopefully be decided before the Euros. That would be a great way for the Hammers to start the transfer window, especially if it coincides with a decision regarding Moyes’ long-term future.
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