Ivan Toney, Niclas Fullkrug: West Ham told to complete ‘big’ deal – expert
German striker Niclas Fullkrug would be a ‘good signing’ for West Ham but the club should move for Ivan Toney instead.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, former West Ham star Frank McAvennie admitted West Ham need a new number nine but it would be a ‘gamble’ to sign Fullkrug over Toney, 28.
The 31-year-old Borussia Dortmund striker is in talks over a move to West Ham as they seek to bring in a proven goalscorer for new manager Julen Lopetegui.
The Hammers are desperate to bring in a new forward before the end of the transfer window and have also been linked with a move for Aston Villa man Jhon Duran.
Football Insider revealed (July 31) that despite the east London club agreeing personal terms with the player, they are way off Villa’s valuation.
Former West Ham star back club to sign Ivan Toney over Niclas Fullkrug
Fullkrug has been a consistent goalscorer throughout his career without ever blowing anyone away. Since joining Dortmund he has scored 15 goals in 43 appearances.
Standing at nearly 6ft 2in, the big German has the physicality to be a focal point for any attack which he proved during Euro 2024.
The striker scored twice during the competition before hosts Germany were knocked out by eventual winners Spain.
Ivan Toney on the other hand offers proven Premier League and goalscoring ability having scored 39 goals in 87 appearances since Brentford were promoted to the English top flight.
“He’s a big player, he’s a big man who can bring other players in.” McAvennie told Football Insider.
“I don’t know what they’d want for him (Dortmund) around £30-£40 million and you get what you pay for. I do like the boy.
“West Ham need somebody to score 20-odd goals, they need a striker to score 20-odd goals every year and I don’t know if this boy can do that.
“He’s never played here. If I was paying £30 million for this boy in Germany, who’s a good player don’t get me wrong, but can he do it in the Premiership?
“It’s a gamble so you should go spend that money on Ivan Toney because it’s not a gamble, he scores goals.
“That’s just me as a striker, I’m looking for the best for West Ham because he (Toney) would bring everyone into play. What a signing it would be.”
In other news, West Ham hatch new Danny Ings transfer plan.
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