Tottenham Hotspur have reportedly lodged a bid for an international Premier League striker but have already seen their proposal turned down by the attacker's current club.
The Lilywhites opted against signing a direct big-money replacement for Bayern Munich-bound Harry Kane in the summer of 2023, only bringing in one out-and-out striker in the shape of Argentinian youngster Alejo Veliz.
However, Veliz was not expected to immediately fill the boots of Kane and was loaned out to Sevilla for the second half of the 2023-24 campaign, where he struggled to make much of an impact.
With Veliz plying his trade in La Liga, Son Heung-min and Richarlison would often alternate in the number nine position, although the latter has failed to find consistency in North London and could be let go for the right price.
Furthermore, Son is only under contract at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for another year - albeit with the option of another 12 months - and recently refused to commit his long-term future to the Lilywhites.
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Tottenham 'fail' with opening Ivan Toney bid
As a result, a new out-and-out centre-forward is expected to be a priority for Ange Postecoglou this summer, and he has supposedly settled on Brentford's Ivan Toney as his number one candidate.
According to FootballTransfers, Tottenham recently tested the waters with an opening bid of £40m for the England international, but it was swiftly turned down by their London rivals.
The Bees were initially optimistic of garnering around £100m through Toney's sale, but they were forced to drastically reduce their demands when it became clear that the 28-year-old would not extend his contract.
Toney will become a free agent in the summer of 2025 as things stand, and the ex-Newcastle United man has supposedly already given the green light to Tottenham's contract offer as the two clubs look to find an agreement.
While Brentford are hopeful of garnering around £65m through Toney's sale, the report adds that the Bees would be receptive to offers of £55m, and Tottenham are confident that they can blow any other suitors out of the water financially.
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Arsenal and Chelsea were previously tipped to battle for Toney's signature over the winter, when the Englishman was nearing the end of his eight-month betting ban, but the two clubs have since moved on to other targets.
Would Toney be a good signing for Tottenham?
Toney has had a direct hand in 95 goals in 141 games for Brentford over the past four years - 72 of his own and 23 assists - but he only struck four top-flight goals in the 2023-24 season after returning from suspension.
While the 28-year-old's numbers in 17 matches last season do not make for incredibly pleasant reading, Tottenham are crying out for a striker of his profile, and a deal certainly appears to be affordable.
Toney should not be expected to hit Kane's heights in North London, but his strength, exceptional hold-up play and dead-ball prowess are all desirable qualities, and he would surely be an upgrade on Richarlison if the Brazilian's exploits over the last two years are anything to go by.
Ben Knapton
