Rio Ferdinand has backed Brentford striker Ivan Toney for a move to a “big club” after an excellent start to the season.

West Ham, Newcastle, Manchester United and Chelsea have all been linked with the 26-year-old in recent months, and Ferdinand believes he “deserves” to be linked with some of the best teams in the Premier League:

“Toney has done enough to warrant the big clubs sniffing. He’s in the bracket where it would not be a surprise if a big club comes in and makes a bid. In the Premier League, he has been fabulous. He deserves all he gets.”

The forward has been in outstanding form, having scored eight goals and contributed two assists in 11 appearances for Brentford in the Premier League. However, it does seem unlikely that the Hammers will be at the front of the queue for his signature.

With Toney’s price tag said to be around £50m, you can’t see David Moyes’ side spending that much on another striker, especially after only recently shelling out on Gianluca Scamacca.

The main priority for the January transfer window is probably a midfielder and perhaps a centre-back if Craig Dawson is still keen on leaving the London Stadium.