Tottenham Hotspur are reportedly preparing to test Brentford's resolve with a £45m bid for in-demand striker Ivan Toney this summer.
Toney has been heavily linked with a summer move away from the Gtech Community Stadium, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United previously showing interest in securing his signature.
The 27-year-old spent the first half of the 2023-24 campaign suspended after admitting to breaching Football Association betting rules; he initially faced 262 charges, but the governing body later withdrew 30 of those charges.
However, after returning to action, Toney wasted no time getting back on the scoresheet for the Bees, and his performances earned him a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad against Brazil and Belgium last month.
There has been considerable speculation about Toney's future at Brentford in recent weeks, with the player openly expressing a desire to leave the club in pursuit of challenging for honours elsewhere.
Spurs to offer £45m for Toney in the summer
According to GiveMeSport, Tottenham are now considering the possibility of making a £45m offer for the striker if there is a lack of competition for his signature this summer.
With Spurs close to securing European qualification this season, the team is expected to pursue a new forward during the summer transfer window. There are doubts about whether they will exercise their option to make Timo Werner's loan move permanent.
The £45m offer falls short of Brentford's £60m valuation of the player, but as Toney's contract approaches its end, interest in the forward is believed to be cooling and Brentford will undoubtedly be looking to cash in on the attacker before he enters the final 12 months of his current deal.
It is understood that Arsenal have abandoned their interest in the forward due to concerns about his age and the high price tag associated with him. Meanwhile, Manchester United are said to have 'reservations' about pursuing him as well.
Chelsea in pole position to secure Toney signature
The report adds that Chelsea remain the frontrunners to sign the England international during the 2024 summer transfer window, but any move will likely depend on the Blues' ability to raise funds through existing player sales.
Newcastle United and West Ham United are also believed to be monitoring developments regarding the player's future.
The 27-year-old joined Brentford from League One club Peterborough United on a five-year deal for an initial fee of £5m back in August 2020.
Since then, Toney has gone on to make 137 appearances for the Bees and has scored 72 goals and provided 22 assists during his time at the Gtech Community Stadium.
