THREE clubs are set to fight over Ivan Toney – as the player plots an exit should Brentford.
A disastrous run of form has left the Bees just five points above the relegation zone.
With Brentford perilously close to the bottom three, a trio of sides are jostling to get in pole-position to land the striker this summer.
SunSport understands Tottenham, Chelsea and West Ham have all expressed an interest in signing the 28-year-old.
It comes after Arsenal, who have previously been linked with Toney, cooled their interest.
As for Chelsea, the West Londoners know they must sell before they can buy or risk breaching Profit and Sustainability Rules.
READ MORE ON CHELSEA
Our source said: “If Brentford drop out of the Premier League, which is now looking a real possibility there will be a race to land Ivan Toney.
“That’s why some clubs are already taking steps to try and get in pole position to land the player.”
“It’s well-known that Chelsea and Spurs both need a number nine and Toney would fit the bill for both clubs. But West Ham are now interested too.
“The club think Toney could be a real statement signing and help take the team to the next level.
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“West Ham are crying out for a centre forward who can help turn them from a good side into one that can genuinely challenge for the Champions League.
“Arsenal are now less interested. Mikel Arteta has a system and a way of playing and he doesn’t think a conventional number nine like Ivan Toney is what they need.”
SunSport can also reveal Toney is “open-minded” to staying in the capital after making it clear to his advisers he doesn’t want to leave the Premier League.
Our source added: “Clubs in Italy and Spain have been tracking Toney for ages. He’s one of the most sought-after players in Europe.
“But Ivan’s not really interested in moving abroad. He sees his future in the Premier League.
“His priority is trying to score the goals that save Brentford and to cement his way into the England squad.
“But, after that, there’s a general acceptance he will move on and start next season with a new club in the Premier League.
“It will be a fresh start and, at 28, the biggest move of his career.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
