Tottenham handed a disappointing update over their £40m striker pursuit as Everton and West Ham enter the race.
In recent weeks, a host of high-calibre strikers have been linked with a potential January move to Spurs.
Thomas Frank’s push for a new number nine is understandable, especially with Randal Kolo Muani now set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
However, it has emerged that a 29-year-old forward—previously touted as Tottenham’s main January target—is unlikely to make the switch to N17 mid-season.
Tottenham set to postpone Ivan Toney pursuit until summer
Reports have indicated that Spurs have been exploring ways to bring Ivan Toney in on loan during the winter window. But former Manchester United and Tottenham scout Mick Brown has claimed that the striker’s salary at Al-Ahli is proving a major obstacle for Spurs and other interested clubs.
Speaking to Football Insider, Brown explained: “Tottenham are clearly in the market for attacking reinforcements in January, whether that ends up being a wide forward or a number nine. There’ll be plenty of interest in someone like Ivan Toney. Tottenham are keen, and Everton and West Ham have both looked into a possible deal as well. The issue is the overall cost, which is very high due to his wages in Saudi Arabia. It’s a difficult deal to pull off.”
He added that the financial demands make a January move unlikely, and clubs may revisit the situation at the end of the season. Spurs, he suggested, may need to look at other options if they want attacking reinforcements this winter.
Striker not Spurs’ main January focus
Despite their struggles in the number nine position, Tottenham are not expected to prioritise signing a striker in January. TEAMtalk recently reported that the club is more inclined to recruit a wide forward rather than an out-and-out centre-forward.
According to the outlet, Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye and Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo are among the players on Spurs’ shortlist as they search for a significant attacking addition.
