Leeds United have an eye on the Premier League-proven striker Ivan Toney this summer as the new campaign edges closer.
This is according to journalist Ben Jacobs, who has been speaking about the latest transfer news on the NUFC Matters YouTube channel.
It was a difficult 2021/22 campaign for Leeds and a lot of their issues came as a result of Patrick Bamford’s lack of game time and goals because of the multiple injuries he suffered.
Toney’s first season in the Premier League with the west Londoners was a fruitful one with 12 goals and five assists in 33 appearances (via Transfermarkt).
However, with attacking playmaker Christian Eriksen now at Manchester United, could Toney consider a potential move away this summer?
While discussing Newcastle’s hunt for a striker, Jacobs said: “Leeds are definitely looking at Toney, and I’m hearing kind of rumblings that Newcastle are doing the same. And even in January, he was a player that was firmly on Newcastle United’s radar.”
TIF Thoughts on Jacobs’ comments…
Interestingly, the striker, who Sergi Canos called ‘amazing’, has mocked Leeds in the past, so it remains to be seen as to how this transfer would go down.
We think this would be a brilliant addition for Leeds. Toney – hailed a “special, special player” by Thomas Frank – is no longer a young prospect and has the experience to back up the likely high asking price Brentford would be looking for.
Would you like to see Toney at Elland Road?
Yes
No
However, for us, there comes the issue – we would imagine the Bees would view Leeds as one of their main rivals in the table and the likelihood of selling Toney to Elland Road feels highly unlikely.
And if Brentford were to weaken themselves again – having lost Eriksen – we would imagine they would be looking for an astronomical fee to see Toney depart that Leeds may not be willing to stump up.
Toney did well for Brentford last season he may not do so well again. He owes some loyalty to Brentford, and I doubt they would want to sell him before their second season.
If Toney has an inflated ego, Leeds would be wiser to look elsewhere. Marsch is trying for a squad of team players not headline standouts. My choice would be to try for Gakpo. The support he could give to Bamford would be very beneficial whether playing alongside, in place of or swapiing into midfield where needed. By giving more games to Geldhart, Greenwood and ‘now’ Perkins – we may well satisfy players and squad alike. If Orta brought in the much needed Left back, things will start to improve defensively. Personally, I would encourage Cody Drameh to develop versatility as a left back. If it paid off – there would be many happy faces in the whole Leeds set up.