Peterborough Director of Football Barry Fry has claimed that David Moyes pulled the plug on a move for Brentford striker Ivan Toney.
Having scored 26 goals in 39 games for the League One outfit, the former Posh striker produced some scintillating striking displays lower down the English footballing pyramid – with that form attracting the attention of the Hammers.
However, Fry has since revealed that Moyes had concerns about Toney’s ability to make the jump two tiers above his former station, worrying that he would not be able to handle the intensity of the Premier League.
Speaking to FootballFanCast, the Peterborough official said:
“I spoke to David Moyes and his team about him.
“They half fancied him. They thought it was a bit of a gamble from League One to the Premier League.”
Moyes also felt that Peterborough’s transfer demands were too exorbitant for the Irons, though Toney eventually moved for £10 million to Brentford.
Now valued at over £16 million by Transfermarkt, West Ham may be rueing thier decision not to snap up a coveted asset.
Fry added: “And anyway, after all that, he thought I was asking too much as well!”
Toney looks set to be one of the Championship’s most sought-after players if Brentford fail to achieve promotion to the Premier League.
With 28 goals and a further nine assists in under 40 league appearances, Toney has looked indispensable for the Bees.
Like Ollie Watkins and Neal Maupay, who both were at Brentford before securing Premier League moves, Toney could also be set for a big move as top-flight clubs cirlce.
In other news: West Ham ace reveals the evolution of key club figure