Ivan Toney has decided to keep his cards close to his chest when asked about a summer transfer, insisting that he will let his representatives sort out his future.
Spurs are being linked with a move for Ivan Toney
With Toney now having just a year left on his contract, one would have expected the striker to be one of the most sought-after players of the summer transfer window.
However, that does not appear to be the case, with various reports indicating over recent weeks that the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea have cooled their interest, with only Tottenham and West Ham thought to be plotting a move for the 28-year-old (Football Insider).
Even that has been contradicted by some sources, with Football.London’s Alasdair Gold claiming on Tuesday that Spurs have played down suggestions of a potential move for the England international.
It remains to be seen where Toney ends up this summer but Brentford boss Thomas Frank did admit last week that the Bees are prepared for the possibility of losing their star man (BBC’s Football Daily Podcast via The Standard).
Ivan Toney will wait and see this summer
When asked about the Danish coach’s comments, Toney has now told BBC Sport: “I didn’t hear him say that. I can’t predict the future and if I could I wouldn’t be sat here in front of you guys. What will be will be and my main focus is playing well and doing well for my country.
“I’ve been through it [transfer speculation] before. There’s been lots of talk of me going here, there and everywhere before in my career and I just don’t let outside noise get to me.
I’m here with England now, and the main focus is doing well for England and whatever happens, happens. I can’t control it. From 18 when I was supposed to go to Wolves and I was all excited and getting involved in all of it, then it didn’t happen, it hurt me.
“So since then, I thought ‘why am I trying to take control of things when I don’t need that pressure?’ I just let people who take care of those things to do it and I focus on the pitch.”
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By the sounds of it, Toney is keeping his options open and no particular club has made much headway in their pursuit of the striker so far.
I would be extremely surprised if a few top Premier League sides do not make an approach for the 28-year-old later in the transfer window.
Ange Postecoglou leaves ITV pundits in stitches after making a jibe at Arsenal’s interest in Benjamin Sesko – with striker snubbing move away to stay at RB Leipzig
Tottenham boss Ange Postecoglou made a sly dig at Arsenal’s interest in RB Leipzig striker Benjamin Sesko after he decided to snub a move to stay in Germany.
Postecoglou, guesting on ITV’s punditry panel for England’s dire 0-0 draw with Slovenia last night, left Gary Neville and Roy Keane in stitches with his comment.
Sesko, who started up front for the Three Lions’ opponents, had been on Mikel Arteta’s shortlist but opted to commit his future to Leipzig by signing a new deal.
It is believed the frontman, also a target for Chelsea and Manchester United this summer, had a £55million release clause written into his old contract.
Postecoglou believes Sesko was correct to spurn interest from the Premier League – though his colleagues joked his comment was a jibe at Spurs’ fierce rivals.
‘I think a big club would have looked at him this year, and it’s a smart move for him to stay there for another year,’ Postecoglou said. ‘I think there’s still some development in him, but really good attributes for a striker position, for sure.’
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Anchor Mark Pougatch then asked: ‘Is that the Tottenham manager saying it’s a smart move not to go to Arsenal?’ with Postecoglou replying: ‘No comment.’
His response saw Gary Neville, Ian Wright and Roy Keane burst out with laughter.
Slovenia finished in third place in Group C at Euro 2024, agonisingly losing out on second to Denmark on disciplinary points after an assistant coach was booked.
As a result, Sesko and his team-mates face a nervy wait to discover if they will progress to the last-16 as one of the best-performing third-placed teams.
Sesko had previously explained his decision to sign fresh terms with Leipzig, saying: ‘I had a good first year at RB Leipzig and am incredibly happy to be here.
Sesko started up front for Slovenia in their drab goalless draw with England at Euro 2024
Postecoglou (second from left) believes the ace was right to opt against joining Arsenal
Postecoglou (second from left) believes the ace was right to opt against joining Arsenal
‘Team, club, city, fans – the overall package is simply outstanding for me. The early contract extension was therefore the logical next step for me.
‘Even though I didn’t play or score as much in the first half of the season, this phase was very important for me and my development
‘I feel a lot of trust and appreciation throughout the club and that is crucial for being able to perform to my full potential. In the second half of the season in particular, I was able to give something back with my goals.
‘We have a team with great potential and a balanced mix of young and experienced players. I’m really looking forward to taking the next steps with this team.
‘We’ve already achieved a lot in my first season and often shown what quality and outstanding football we can bring to the pitch.
‘But there’s still a lot more to be done and that’s now our common goal.’
