Spurs will be on red alert after a claim about a West Ham move for Ivan Toney from a journalist with strong sources at the club.
West Ham and bitter rivals Tottenham Hotspur have both been linked with Brentford star Ivan Toney this summer.
But until recently it appeared there would only be one winner as the Hammers and Spurs jostled for position – London rivals Arsenal.
There was real encouragement for West Ham and Tottenham recently when it emerged Arsenal have withdrawn their interest after a meeting with Toney went badly.
It is clear West Ham and Spurs are both in the market for a striker.
For the avoidance of doubt West Ham have confirmed to Hammers News the club is currently focused on bringing in a new forward.
And Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou has also made it abundantly clear to Daniel Levy he wants one too.
Hammers and Tottenham in two-horse race for Toney
According to widespread reports over the last few months, that has pitted West Ham and their fierce rivals Tottenham against one another for Toney.
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Speculation that the Irons and Tottenham were in for Bournemouth striker Dominic Solanke has dampened of late with Toney the key name in the frame.
It was recently revealed Spurs had leapfrogged the Hammers with a bid for Toney.
That bid was reportedly rejected. And since then there has been a hush around Toney’s future as he earns cult hero status with cameo roles for England on their run to the Euro 2024 final.
West Ham have been linked with Villa’s Jhon Duran of late. But, crucially, the club has confirmed to Hammers News that Duran is not the only forward they are looking at.
Now Spurs are on red alert after a journalist’s claim about a West Ham move for Toney.
Roshane Thomas is the West Ham reporter for The Athletic.
Spurs on red alert after claim about West Ham move for Toney
As a result he has strong contacts at the club.
Thomas has delivered an update on West Ham’s striker search.
And it seems to be great news for Tottenham.
Because the path looks clear for Postecoglou to sign Toney as Thomas claims West Ham have not made any approaches for the Bees forward.
“West Ham’s summer targets also include Youssef En-Nesyri, of Spain’s Sevilla, French club Lens’ Elye Wahi and Newcastle United’s Callum Wilson,” Thomas said.
“They have not made any approaches for Brentford’s England international Ivan Toney…
“Steidten has backed Lopetegui with the signings of Wes Foderingham, Guilherme and £40million Wolves defender Max Kilman. The task of landing a proven striker will be his most important challenge yet.”
Path now clear for Tottenham?
Thomas’ update will be a major boost for Spurs and bitter blow to the hopes of many West Ham fans.
Images of Toney celebrating with Hammers talisman Jarrod Bowen at the Euros had West Ham supporters dreaming of seeing them doing the same in the claret and blue next season.
Of course the fact West Ham have not made any approaches for Toney doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t.
West Ham’s majority owner David Sullivan is a big fan of Toney.
In fact Sullivan lists his decision not to act on the advice of close friend Barry Fry and sign Toney from Peterborough for just £10m among the worst of all his time in football.
Journalist Graeme Bailey exclusively told Hammers News that West Ham do have an interest in Toney this summer.
Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg also recently stated Toney could be leading the line at West Ham next season with Brentford looking for between £30-40m.
But Thomas’ update will clearly give encouragement to Tottenham as they seek to finally replace Harry Kane.
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