Brentford have confirmed the signing of Peterborough striker Ivan Toney, which could be good news for Leeds and Aston Villa.
The two Premier League clubs are both thought to be chasing Bees forward Ollie Watkins, who finished last season as the Championship’s joint-top scorer with 26 goals and was recently named Player of the Season.
Toney bagged 24 goals in League One last season[/caption]
Brentford, who missed out on promotion to the first division with a heartbreakingĀ 2-1 defeat to Fulham in the Championship play-off final, are likely to sell their 24-year-old star as long as the price is right.
Especially now that the Bees have spent Ā£10million to sign Toney on a five-year deal after the 24-year-old enjoyed a stunning campaign in League One.
Head coach Thomas Frank said: “We are adding a hungry, ambitious, hard-working striker to the group here.
“He fits what I want in a striker; he is a goalscorer, he gets into good positions in the box, he is good playing on the last line, and will contribute to our link-up play.
“Our strikers are a big part of our pressing game, and Ivan, with his work ethic, will help us with that.”
Brentford operate by signing unknown talents like Watkins, locating them with sophisticated data models, before developing them and selling on for huge profit, like they did with Neal Maupay, who joined Brighton for Ā£19m last summer.
Another player who looks set to leave the Bees is Said Benrahma.
Leeds and Villa are among numerous clubs who have been credited with an interest in the Brentford winger, whose performances in the Championship this season have seen him dubbed the āAlgerian Messiā.
Reports claim they will not accept less than Ā£25m for Benrahma, who notched 17 goals and nine assists in the second tier this season, while they are also looking for a similar fee for Watkins.
————————
By: Sean
Title: Ollie Watkins boost for Leeds and Aston Villa? Brentford sign potential replacement Ivan Toney from Peterborough
Sourced From: talksport.com/football/efl/746987/ollie-watkins-leeds-aston-villa-brentford-ivan-toney-confirmed-peterborough/
Published Date: Mon, 31 Aug 2020 08:32:58 +0000
