Ivan Toney's potential return to the Premier League could be aided by a sensational swap deal, reports claim.
Toney left Brentford in August 2024, signing for Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli in a move worth £40 million.
Toney became one of the highest-paid English players in the world with a reported salary of £400,000-a-week and has more than justified his pay packet with an impressive tally of 41 goals in 59 games.
However, the AFC Champions League winner continues to be linked with a return to the English top flight - particularly with the World Cup on the horizon.
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And in the latest development, it's emerged that Spurs are keen on snapping up Toney after struggling for goals from their forwards - with Thomas Frank very much open to a reunion according to a new talkSPORT report.
Dominic Solanke has been sidelined with an ankle injury since August, while Mathys Tel and Randal Kolo Muani have failed to be a reliable source of goals and Richarlison's form has fizzled out after a promising start under Frank.
The Brazilian has been a target of Al Ahli in the past and looked at signing him for around £60 million before they snapped up Toney - only for the former Everton striker to knock back their advances.
West Ham have been exploring an ambitious deal for Toney but Alex Crook of talkSPORT believes Spurs are best-placed to bring the 29-year-old back into the fold.
Al Hilal are believed to be hesitant to offload their star striker but their interest in Richarlison could make it easier to arrange a deal.
“I keep coming back to Ivan Toney for Tottenham," he said.
"You look at what he did with Thomas Frank at Brentford.
“I think he'd like to come back to the Premier League, obviously financially it might be a difficult deal, but that just looks a perfect fit to me for Spurs either in January or next summer.”
Frank's Toney hint
Toney signed for Frank in 2020 when they were in the Championship, scoring 33 goals in 52 games in his first season as they were promoted via the play-offs.
He then continued to bang in the goals in the Premier League, scoring 32 in his two full seasons and hitting four in 2023/24 amid his extended betting ban.
Hinting at bringing Toney to Spurs in a recent Fan Forum in October, Frank said: "I said in the press conference the other day, if he wants to come back he’s more than welcome.
"Of course, Ivan Toney I coached for a few years, top player, top guy, very good striker, so let’s see what happens in the future.”
Spurs return to action on Saturday when they take on Manchester United in the early kick-off.
Topics: Premier League, England, Ivan Toney
Josh Lawless