Peterborough United striker Ivan Toney has been in fine form recently. His superb hat-trick against Bradford City in midweek took his recent tally to nine goals in eight games. His manager at the ABAX Stadium is former Leeds boss Steve Evans.
Evans, who became synonymous with stating he ‘had a job till Monday’ and ‘Mr Cellino’ during his interesting period as Elland Road boss stated Toney has all the qualities to play for Leeds after their FA Cup victory at Valley Parade.
“I know the levels the boy could play at.
“I was at a club (Leeds United) not far from here [Bradford] and he could play there all day.”
– Steve Evans discusses Ivan Toney’s quality
There is currently no suggestion that Leeds are keen on the former Newcastle man.
However, with doubts beginning to grow over Kemar Roofe’s future, Toney should certainly be on their radar.
10-goal top scorer Roofe has been linked with a number of clubs including, most recently, Italian outfit Palermo.
The Mirror recently reported that Leeds will start contract talks with the player after Christmas about extending his current Leeds deal, which expires in 2020.
Leeds fans have reason to be worried. In the past, similar situations have emerged with Charlie Taylor and Sam Byram, when players waited out their contracts to see if Leeds were promoted. If not, they soon packed their bags.
Leeds, who are currently well stocked up front with Patrick Bamford and Tyler Roberts also in tow, should therefore always have backup options.
Toney, like Roofe, has dropped down from the Premier League where he was simply not getting a chance. A hard-working goalscorer, brilliant in the air and with a penchant for the spectacular, he is the sort of player Leeds United fans would learn to love.
If Roofe’s future is ever in doubt, then Leeds might want to test Evans’ Toney theory.