According to Fabrizio Romano, West Ham United and Brentford have yet to get into formal negotiations about a potential deal for England striker Ivan Toney.
According to recent reports, David Moyes’ Hammers have emerged as genuine competitors to recruit the England international during the summer transfer window [Alex Crook, 28 March].
However, transfer analyst Romano has stated that nothing has been determined at the London Stadium, although he admits Brentford would be eager to resolve the England international’s future ahead of the European Championships.
In his Daily Briefing column on April 2, he stated: “I have no definite update on the Ivan Toney situation, despite new suggestions that West Ham have become surprise favourites in the race for the England international.
“I’m not aware of any serious negotiations with any team at the moment, just some interest in a very excellent player like Toney, but the striker domino effect is still in its early stages.
“We heard a lot about Toney in recent months, but he wasn’t planning to leave in January. They will iron out his future before the Euros, but it is not guaranteed at this point.
Will West Ham United win the transfer race for Brentford star Ivan Toney?
West Ham have been looking for a new number nine at the London Stadium for some time, and Toney would undoubtedly suit the bill, strengthening the Hammers’ attacking options ahead of the new season.
While Michail Antonio has impressed in recent weeks and Jarrod Bowen has thrived while playing out of position this season, neither is the type of reliable number nine that a Premier League squad battling for Europe need.
Toney has a fantastic Premier League goal record and will undoubtedly attract interest from clubs in England’s top tier and elsewhere this summer. It is unclear whether the Hammers can or will win that race, but they appear to be in contention.
Hopefully, the Brentford forward’s future will be settled before the Euros, as Romano has stated, as it would be a wonderful start to the transfer window for the Hammers, especially if it coincided with a decision on Moyes’ long-term status.
In other West Ham news, Jeff Stelling has criticized Fabian Schar for his actions against the Hammers at St James’ Park.
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