‘Spoke to David Sullivan recently’: Director claims West Ham still want future ‘Golden Boot winner’

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West Ham United are still interested in Ivan Toney, according to Peterborough director of football Barry Fry.

The Hammers were one of several teams linked with the prolific 25-year-old, who grabbed 24 goals and six assists from just 32 games in the shortened League One campaign.

West Ham and Fulham enquired about Toney, while former Spurs manager David Pleat urged Daniel Levy to snap the Posh striker up.

In the end, Toney moved to Brentford for an initial £5million plus add-ons, replacing Aston Villa-bound Ollie Watkins.

And with 29 goals and 10 assists in the Championship this season, he’s proven a bargain for the Bees, who will once again contest the playoffs.

BBC Sport have published a feature article on Toney’s career, and Fry gave an insight into interest from suitors when he was at London Road.

“West Ham were in for him – I spoke to David Sullivan recently and they still want to buy him,” he said.

“But Brentford wanted to put him in the team straight away. All the others saw him on the bench, and he wanted to play.”

Luckily for West Ham, it looks as though Toney could still be keen on a Premier League move if promotion isn’t achieved this season.

“He has a burning ambition to be the best centre forward in the Premier League,” Fry added.

“I think he will get an opportunity to prove that very soon, either with Brentford or if somebody pays £30m or £40m for him.

“He’ll be the Golden Boot winner in a couple of years in my opinion.”

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West Ham have enjoyed a wonderful season and, with five games left, sit just three points outside the top four.

If David Moyes’ charges secure Champions League football, then they have the potential to bolster their ranks significantly.

And a player of Toney’s calibre would certainly be a great shout, particularly if they can’t hang on to Jesse Lingard.