Everton eye Brentford striker Ivan Toney
Everton are among a clutch of Premier League clubs eyeing Brentford striking sensation Ivan Toney, according to Claret and Hugh.
The West Ham news website claims the Blues are battling the Hammers, as well as Leeds United, Wolves and Crystal Palace, for the 25-year-old who has scored 29 Championship goals so far this season and set up a further ten.
David Moyes’ side are said to be in contact with Toney’s representative, so it looks like clubs have already begun to reach out ahead of a summer assault on Brentford who could still be promoted to the Premier League via the play-offs.
If the Bees are promoted clubs could find a deal much more difficult to do, though Everton and West Ham could have European football to offer at the end of the season.
Carlo Ancelotti’s side are three points behind the East Londoners who occupy fifth place, though the Blues have a game in hand on all of their rivals.
Ideal competition
We’re crying out for a striker to battle it out with Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Toney could be the perfect choice.
Calvert-Lewin has had little to no competition for his lone frontman role this season, with Cenk Tosun and Joshua King the only senior forwards at the club and both have been on the periphery during their time at the club.
With Calvert-Lewin missing matches it’s been incumbent upon Richarlison to move across from the wing and play upfront, which has often left us imbalanced and lacking pace out wide.
Bringing in a seasoned goalscorer would stop the disruption to our forward line and could also up Calvert-Lewin’s game.
It would be a big step up for Toney given he was only in League One last year but his seamless transition to Championship football shows he can adapt quickly and he’ll relish another chance in the Premier League after his ill-fated spell with Newcastle United.
In other Everton news, ‘Slenderest of margins’ – Michael Owen predicts winner in Blues clash v Aston Villa.
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