By Gabriel Agbonlahor

13th Sep, 2023 | 11:48am

Chelsea could give Toney '20-year deal' to fend off Tottenham hijack - Agbonlahor

Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Tottenham should move to hijack Chelsea’s pursuit of Brentford striker Ivan Toney.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, insisted the 27-year-old will have “his pick of clubs” in the winter window despite his ongoing suspension.

Football Insider revealed last week (10 September) that Brentford could ask for £70millon-plus for Toney in the January window amid interest from Chelsea.

The England international returns to training with the Bees on 17 September after being suspended from all football-related activity back in May.

Toney, who notched 21 goals in 35 appearances last season, cannot play until 17 January.

The 5ft 10in forward, who earns a reported wage of just £20,000-a-week, is out of contract in June 2025.

He has managed 32 goals in 68 appearances in the Premier League and has an impeccable 93.5% career record from the penalty spot.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Toney is an upgrade on Jackson at Chelsea, who’s a bit raw still.

“But he goes into most teams, apart from Man City.

“Chelsea will want to make it happen, and they’ll give him the 20-year deal to do that.

“But I think Spurs should look at him as well. They’ve got Maddison, Son, Kulusevski – but they’re missing a top striker.

“Richarlison isn’t the answer. Toney could give a team like Tottenham a huge push for the second half of the season.

“I think he will have his pick of clubs. Strikers like him are rare, and they’re sought-after.”

In other news, Bournemouth could be forced to accept offer for Tottenham target.