Jeff Stelling reacts to Everton links to Brentford striker Ivan Toney live on Sky Sports
Jeff Stelling has highlighted how key it would have been for Everton if they had managed to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney in the summer.
The Toffees were reported to be weighing up a move for the Bees man in the summer transfer window [Mirror, 20 August] but nothing ever materialised, and with the attack at Goodison highly lacking in the absence of the injured Dominic Calvert-Lewin, again missing for Saturday’s clash with Brentford, it would have made a huge difference if a move was made.
And Sky Sports pundit Clinton Morrison hailed Toney as “fantastic” in response to Stelling, after 15 league goals this season, including one in the 3-2 win over Fulham on 6 March.
Speaking live ahead of kick-off on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday (11 March, 2.18pm) Stelling said: “I tell you what Clinton, goodness me. Everton are hanging their coat on getting Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit.
“They could have done with signing Ivan Toney couldn’t they? My word! Once again he was involved in pretty much everything against Fulham, the good, the bad, and the ugly.”
If only
It would have been an expensive one but with hindsight it would have made such a difference to this side, which is severely lacking in attack after a January transfer window saw no signings.
Calvert-Lewin’s injury, coupled with sales of Richarlison and Anthony Gordon over the last two windows, has left Sean Dyche without firepower up front.
The signing of Neal Maupay has not worked out because the way Everton play doesn’t really suit the type of player he is.
Demarai Gray shows flashes but a number nine of Toney’s calibre would have made all the difference at times when Calvert-Lewin is unavailable.
Whether the money was available to make a real run at the Brentford man, or whether the potential ban that is upcoming for him after breaking betting rules, would have made it impossible is relevant to the equation.
But his 15 Premier League goals this season is nine higher than Everton’s highest in Gray and would surely have meant a lot more points.