Transfer Talk: Spurs buzzing about Bees hotshot Toney

Tottenham are keen on Brentford hotshot Ivan Toney as they look to beef up Antonio Conte’s squad.

Spurs have been monitoring the Bees striker for a number of months, according to Football Insider.

They had a scout at St James’ Park on Saturday as Thomas Frank’s side lost 5-1 to Newcastle, with Toney netting from the spot for the visitors.

That was the 26-year-old's sixth goal of the season, continuing a run of form that saw him rewarded with a first England call-up last month, though he did not feature in the games against Italy and Germany.

Only the phenomenal Erling Haaland (15) and England captain Harry Kane (eight) have more goals than the Northampton native this term.

Toney’s physical presence, as well as his obvious goal threat, would suit Conte's preferred style.

The Italian coach’s league-winning side at Chelsea had Diego Costa up top, while Romelu Lukaku scored 24 goals when his Inter Milan team lifted the Serie A title in 2020-21.

It is not clear how much Brentford would demand for Toney, who they bought for £5million in 2020.

Spurs striker Kane has been regularly linked with a switch to Bayern Munich in recent months, though he did play that down yesterday.

Kane said: "I'm focused on Tottenham and trying to do my best for us.

"For sure Bayern are a top, top club but all my concentration is on Tottenham and trying to win tomorrow night [against Eintracht Frankfurt in the Champions League]."

In other news

The Athletic believe that Haaland has a £176m release clause in his Manchester City contract which kicks in from 2024.

Chelsea have opened talks with academy product Mason Mount over a new deal at Stamford Bridge, claim the Evening Standard.

According to 90min, the Blues are ready to terminate the loan move of Denis Zakaria, who is yet to play a minute since his switch from Juventus.