Tottenham are firmly at the head of the queue to sign Ivan Toney this summer after a trusted Sky Sports reporter revealed exactly how Daniel Levy can pass Brentford forward Ange Postecoglou.
The north London side made rapid progress under their popular Australian boss last season, winning the hearts and minds of the Tottenham faithful with their all-action tactics and no-nonsense off-field demeanor. Not lacking in confidence or self-belief, the 58-year-old has even refused to rule Spurs out of the title race after their brilliant start to the 2023/24 season, which saw them collect eight wins and two draws from their opening 10 games.
Unfortunately, Tottenham’s electric start to the campaign didn’t last as injuries and suspensions struck the N17 during a bleak autumn and difficult winter.
And while Tottenham were the only active team in the January transfer window, they would ultimately only finish fifth in the Premier League, despite bringing the Europa League back to the club in 2024/25.
However, the club has strong ambitions to not only compete in the top four, but eventually challenge for the title, having been champions of England way back in 1961.
To take them to the next level, Spurs know they need some significant additions to their playing park this summer, and sources have told TEAMtalk that Spurs are hoping for three to four major signings.
Indeed, Postecoglou is being linked with another defensive addition, while an outside midfielder is also on his radar to provide an upgrade to Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg.
Tottenham transfers: Sky Sports man gives big news to Ivan Toney
But the most game-changing addition could come with the Spurs looking for a more prolific no. 9, who would take Harry Khan’s mantle.
Spurs relied on the combination of Son Heung-min and Richarlison as their main strikers last season, although Postecoglou soon realized that despite the excellent season enjoyed by his talismanic South Korean, he still does his best work on the left side of attack.
And while Richarlison has managed an improved output of 12 goals and four assists in 31 games, his overall tally of 15 goals in 66 games isn’t exactly impressive.
As a result, Spurs are expected to sign a number of top nine players this summer who could provide a more regular source of goals.
To that end, players such as Santiago Gimenez, Jonathan David and Dominic Solanke have been touted at the club this summer.
But the man who keeps getting mentioned and who seems to be very much in the news this summer is Brentford star Toney.
His contract at the Gteh Community Stadium will expire in the summer of 2025, making the Bees very vulnerable to selling him.
Sky Sports journalist Dharmesh Sheth is likely to confirm that a move is likely this summer and has indicated the fee Spurs are now likely to have to pay for his services, with his other suitors, Arsenal and Chelsea, looking set to focus elsewhere.
“It’s an interesting situation with Ivan Toney. Now he’s obviously not going to sign a new contract with Brentford,” Sheth told the broadcaster.
“Brentford are said to want £60m for him. He has now entered the final year of his contract, which could affect his price later in the window.
“Although Brentford will be looking to cash in this summer, any result is possible.
“Toney is of course at Euro 2024 with England and his future will probably be clearer once the tournament is over.”
Levy will be patient to sign Spurs
However, Spurs chairman Levy is well-versed in transfer negotiations and appears unlikely to meet the Bees’ asking price for the player.
But with his contract expiring and suitors for his signature now valued, Levy will be happy to play the patient game to hand the striker to Postecoglou.
Postecoglou is said to be a huge admirer of the frontman and believes his career-high 161 goals – 36 of which have come in 83 Premier League games – could be hugely beneficial to his side next season.
Toney has been with the Bees since a bargain £5m plus £10m bonus move from Peterborough in August 2020, playing and scoring in all four divisions of the English pyramid.