Tottenham and West Ham are set to go head-to-head in the race to sign Ivan Toney from Brentford with the London rivals leading the chase.
Toney is expected to leave Brentford in the summer and has been open on his desire for a new challenge.
The 28-year-old will enter the final 12 months of his deal in west London at the end of the campaign and the Bees are likely to cash in, rather than run the risk of losing the England international on a free transfer.
Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all considered Toney, though interest from that trio has cooled of late. It leaves Spurs and West Ham as the frontrunners and Football Transfers claim each are prepared to pay around £50m to sign the striker.
West Ham want a long-term replacement for Michail Antonio, who could depart in the summer, and Toney fits the bill as a Premier League proven option.
He has scored 36 goals in 81 league starts since Brentford’s promotion to the top flight and scored his first international goal for England during March’s international break.
Spurs are also targeting a centre-forward having failed to replace Harry Kane with a like-for-like replacement last summer.
The North Londoners are preparing for the second stage of their rebuild under Ange Postecoglou and are reportedly prepared to listen to offers for Richarlison.
Manchester United are understood to be exploring alternatives despite Erik ten Hag’s admiration for the player. There are reportedly reservations over whether Toney is the right character to fit the dressing room ethos Ineos want to build.
