Tottenham could finally go and sign long-term target to replace Harry Kane

Harry Kane could still depart Spurs this summer with Bayern Munich trying to sign the England striker, and it's a Three Lions team-mate - Brentford's Ivan Toney - who may yet succeed him at Tottenham

Posted Saturday, July 29, 2023 by Dailystar.co.uk

Bayern are trying to sign Kane

Replacing Harry Kane will be a daunting task for Tottenham if the England captain moves on this summer.

While Kane's future at Tottenham remains uncertain, several potential replacements for the striker have emerged. One player who could be interested in a move is Ivan Toney, the Brentford forward who is currently serving a ban but is set to return to action in January 2024.

Toney had a remarkable season with the Bees, scoring 21 goals and providing five assists in 35 appearances. Despite his ban for betting breaches, Toney's return to training in September and competitive play in early 2024 make him an attractive option for Tottenham.

Spurs have shown interest in the 27-year-old England international in the past, and his goal-scoring prowess could fill the void left by Kane's potential departure. Peterborough United chairman Darragh MacAnthony revealed that Tottenham were interested in signing Toney - who was then a Peterborough player - during the 2020 summer transfer window, reports football.london.

However, the deal fell through due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. David Pleat, a Spurs scout, believed that Toney would be a valuable addition to the squad considering Kane's injury problems at the time.

"David thought Ivan was a relatively cheap option to boost the Spurs squad what with all Harry Kane's injury problems," MacAnthony said on the Hard Truth Podcast. "[Spurs chairman Daniel] Levy might have been worried Spurs fans would laugh at him for signing a League One player but, in any case, the pandemic ruined any chance of the move going ahead."

While Toney's potential transfer to Tottenham depends on various factors including Kane's departure, former Premier League winger Jermaine Pennant believes he would thrive in north London.

Tottenham could finally go and sign long-term target to replace Harry Kane
Ivan Toney was given an eight-month ban and fined £50,000 earlier this year

"If you look at the best stats for an English striker, he is just shy behind Harry Kane," said Pennant. "He is England's number two. He's similar to Harry Kane himself. If Kane was to leave in the summer, then I think a perfect fit would be Ivan Toney, without a shadow of a doubt."

Toney, meanwhile, lists former Spurs frontmen Dimitar Berbatov and Jermain Defoe as his favourite strikers of all time. Speaking to Kick Game, Toney was quizzed if his answers meant he would move to Spurs this summer.

"They have got one of the best strikers already," Toney replied, speaking about Kane. He added: "To be fair Harry Kane would be up there. He scores goals."

Harry Kane is open to leaving Spurs

Kane's future at Tottenham - and the impact that might have on a potential move for Toney - remains uncertain Despite interest from Bayern Munich, no deal has been reached, and the 30-year-old has not expressed a desire to force a move.

The striker's contract at Spurs has a year left to run, and he remains open to various possibilities, including staying for the final year, signing a new deal, or leaving if a suitable offer is accepted. But in Toney, Ange Postecoglou's side could have ready-made replacement.