Tottenham Hotspur could consider a shock late move for an England international, who has been on their radar for several years.
According to various reports, Tottenham are looking to add a number nine to their squad alongside Savinho and Cody Gakpo, as they aim for a strong end to the transfer window.
While Victor Osimhen had initially been mooted as a target for Spurs, over recent days, it has become clear that Galatasaray will not sell the rumoured Tottenham target.
It has now been suggested that another prolific centre-forward, who has an exemplary record in the Premier League, could become a late option for Spurs.
Tottenham could make a late move for Ivan Toney
Journalist Ben Jacobs has now suggested that Ivan Toney could be tempted to leave Al Ahli before the window shuts after Matthias Jaissle departed the Saudi club to take over at Newcastle.
He explained that the former Brentford striker has been on Tottenham’s radar for several years, revealing that he was one of their alternative options to Dominic Solanke two years ago.
When asked about Tottenham’s striker pursuit of a new number nine on the Last Word on Spurs podcast, Jacobs played down the Osimhen links and added: “I would just keep half an eye on Ivan Toney as well, and the only reason I say that is because Matthias Jaissle has left Al Ahli.
“He’s won back-to-back Asian Champions Leagues. Yep, he got into the England squad being in Saudi Arabia, but at the moment, with a new manager and a lot of change at Al Ahli, is there a point where Toney says, ‘I want to come back to England’. Whether it’s this summer remains to be seen.
“Simply because when you speak to people around the player side, they go, ‘He’s just happy in Saudi Arabia, period, and he’s well compensated’. But it’s one just to keep a small eye on, because you may remember when Tottenham had that bid for Dom Solanke, and the first offer was turned down. Toney was the other alternative.”
Could Spurs’ pursuit of a striker depend on Richarlison’s future?
Everton are said to be in regular contact with Tottenham over Richarlison, with the Toffees trying to contemplate a late move to re-sign the Brazilian.
However, according to Alasdair Gold, Spurs have the option to extend the 29-year-old’s contract by one more year, which means that they are not under pressure to sell him before the window slams shut.
Some sources suggest that Tottenham want close to £40m for Richarlison, and the Lilywhites’ pursuit of a new number nine may depend on whether someone meets their valuation.