Ivan Toney is said to be eyeing a return to the Premier League as he looks to force his way back into contention for World Cup selection.
Toney made three appearances off the bench as England reached the Euro 2024 final, but has not played for the Three Lions since and was not included in Thomas Tuchel’s squad ahead of November’s World Cup qualifiers against Serbia and Albania.
With only one more international break to go until Tuchel announces his squad for the World Cup, Toney seems to be out of favour despite a lack of cover for Harry Kane up front.
He moved to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli in 2024 and has maintained an impressive goalscoring record in the Middle East, hitting 41 goals in 59 appearances.
With a dearth of top-level strikers currently on the market, a return to the Premier League in January could be facilitated.
Standard Sport takes a look at three clubs Toney could move to this January...
Tottenham
A reunion with former boss Thomas Frank would certainly appeal to Toney, who scored 36 goals in 85 Premier League appearances under the Dane at Brentford.
Tottenham have started fairly well under Frank, but have faced criticism in recent weeks for their failure to score goals from open play.
Without striker Dominic Solanke, who has played just two league games this season as a result of an ankle injury, Tottenham have lacked a focal point up front.
It remains unclear when Solanke, who underwent ankle surgery in September, will return to action, and a January move for Toney would make sense as a stopgap.
Tottenham have struggled to create chances in the continued absence of Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison, but in Toney, they would have the sort of imposing and selfless striker who can make opportunities for himself.
He is also capable of coming into games cold and making an impact, as he showed off the bench during England’s run to the Euro 2024 final.
Whether as a starter or a substitute, Toney would provide a much-needed presence up front for Tottenham.
West Ham
West Ham’s struggles up front are well-documented, and, despite Callum Wilson netting his second goal of the season during the Hammers’ 3-2 win over Burnley, their options at striker remain unconvincing.
Niclas Fullkrug, whom Nuno Espirito Santo started up front in his first two games in charge, has struggled with injury and looks set to leave the club in January.
Wilson, meanwhile, has been battling his own fitness issues, with academy graduate Callum Marshall having played just 58 minutes of Premier League football.
The Hammers’ attack has started to click into gear, scoring six goals in their last two games, but they still lack a striker they can rely on.
There is an opening for Toney and the promise of consistent minutes at West Ham, but it remains to be seen whether he would be keen to join a side still mired in the relegation zone despite winning their last two league games.
His wage demands could also prove a stumbling block in negotiations.
Fulham
Fulham have struggled to address their options up front in the last couple of years, and this season has been no different.
The Cottagers had hoped to be able to rely on Rodrigo Muniz, who agreed a new long-term deal in October, but the Brazilian striker has struggled with a hamstring injury, which he aggravated during Fulham’s 2-0 defeat to Everton.
Muniz, who scored 11 goals in all competitions last year, has threatened to burst into life after a productive last couple of seasons.
However, consistency and now injuries have let him down, leaving Fulham to call upon veteran forward Raul Jimenez to lead the line.
Jimenez was Fulham’s top goalscorer in all competitions last season, but has so far found the back of the net just twice in what’s been a difficult start to the season for Marco Silva’s side.
Jonah Kusi-Asare was brought in on loan with an option to buy from Bayern Munich on Deadline Day, but Silva has been clear that the 18-year-old will take time to adapt. He has played just 18 minutes so far this season.
Toney would offer both goals and experience to a side struggling for presence up front.
