There is no clear favourite to sign West Ham transfer target Ivan Toney this summer, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.

It has been suggested in recent days that the Hammers had edged ahead in the battle to snap up the Brentford forward but, writing in his Daily Briefing column, Romano said:

“I’ve no concrete update yet on the Ivan Toney situation, despite new reports that West Ham have become surprise favourites in the race for the England international. I’m not aware of concrete negotiations at the moment with any club, just some interest of course for a very good player like Toney, but it’s still early for the strikers’ domino effect.”

“We heard many things about Toney in the recent months but he was not close to leaving in January. They will try to sort his future before the Euros, but it’s not something guaranteed at this stage.”

West Ham are just one of many suitors

While the prospect of the England international moving to the London Stadium has been raised over the past couple of weeks, the Hammers will have fierce competition for the striker.

Tottenham, Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have also been credited with an interest in Toney so David Moyes’ side could be up against it in terms of winning the transfer battle.

Toney won’t be available on the cheap

The 28-year-old was on the market for around £100m during the January transfer window but, due to his contract situation, Brentford won’t be able to ask for that much this summer.

It has been claimed that a fee of around £60m to £70m would be needed. Considering that is still above West Ham’s transfer record, it is up for debate whether the London club can afford his signature. As Romano says, though, we will find out more about who the favourite is to sign the player in the coming days and weeks.