Tottenham ‘identify’ Harry Kane replacement with Chelsea and Arsenal also ‘interested’

One of the Premier League’s best goalscorers could be made available in the January transfer window as Tottenham enter the race to find a Harry Kane replacement.

The North London outfit have started the season in fine fettle without their talisman but they remain in the market for a long term goal scorer in the winter window.

England striker Ivan Toney has attracted his fair share of admirers in recent months and he enjoyed a prolific campaign last year for Brentford, which saw him score 20 goals from 32 Premier League matches.

Toney has enjoyed a rapid rise up the Football League after a failed spell at Newcastle and he has scored a combined total of 65 league goals in three years for the Bees, including 33 in the Championship back in 2020/21.

The England star will have some catching up to do this season as he does not make his return to competitive action until 17 January due to gambling offences.

Toney’s return will be a huge boost to Brentford’s chances of success this season but manager Thomas Frank told Sky Sports that the in-demand striker could be sold in January.

Speaking on Monday Night Football, Frank said: “I think every club in the world is a selling club except five or six clubs. We are a selling club if the right price is there and I think it’s the right time for the players to go.

That’s not my decision, that would be down to [director of football] Phil [Giles] or [chairman] Matthew [Benham] in the end.

“But I think if players have developed well with us and been on the journey, and they’ve proven good enough to go to the top clubs, then I think it’s the right thing, if we get the right price.”

Asked specifically if that applied in the case of Toney, Frank said: “Yes, I think so. I understand why there are a lot of rumours out there about him. For me, I think he’s one of the best strikers. As a No 9, I don’t see many out there in the world who are better.

“Of course we have [Harry] Kane, [Robert] Lewandoski, [Erling] Haaland and these types. But not many scored 20 goals in the Premier League last year, in of course a very good Brentford side, but one which is not creating as many chances as the top six or seven teams.

“So, imagine him in a top team. He could easily score 20, 25 goals. I think he’s composed, a good finisher, a top mentality, so I understand why clubs are looking at him.”

The Times that Toney is a key target for Tottenham Hotspur who are currently reliant on Richarlison and Heung Min Son as their main attacking options. But Chelsea and Arsenal could emerge with rival bids for the player.

Chelsea have struggled in front of goal so far and they have failed to score in both of their last two matches against Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest.

The Blues are currently relying on new signing Nicolas Jackson in attack but they may look to add further Premier League experience to their frontline.

Arsenal are another club that has spent big in recent months and although they are blessed with attacking options in Eddie Nkeitah and Gabriel Jesus. They may look to add another prolific goalscorer to help them in their pursuit of a league title.

Toney expressed his admiration of Arsenal during an interview on Diary of a CEO, speaking on the podcast he said: “I’ve been a Liverpool fan my whole life but from young, I’ve liked Arsenal, watching Arsenal, how they play & how passionate the fans are.”

Toney is reportedly valued at around £80m according to The Times, although this fee could end up being higher if a bidding war emerges between the three teams.