Leeds United will need to spend a ‘ludicrous’ amount if they want to sign Brentford striker Ivan Toney this summer, according to journalist Dean Jones.

Jesse Marsch has reportedly made a new striker a top priority this summer with The Sun reporting that they will battle with Newcastle for the impressive striker.

What is the latest on Ivan Toney?

Thomas Frank led his side into the Premier League in the 2020-21 campaign but it was Toney who acted as the driving force of the Bees side.

He scored 31 goals in the second tier, including one in the play-off final, and followed that up with 12 strikes in the Premier League, helping the west Londoners survive their maiden campaign. His career return at senior level, meanwhile, stands at an impressive 139 goals in 357 appearances.

Toney’s hold-up play and ability to link with his fellow attackers has also caught the eye of many so it is no real surprise to see clubs holding an interest.

With Christian Eriksen choosing to join Manchester United rather than return to the Brentford Community Stadium, it is likely that determination to hold onto Toney will have only increased.

The latest report from The Sun indicates that the Bees value the 26-year-old at £30 million, with three years still remaining on his contract.

A chunk of any fee received will also go to Peterborough United as part of a sell-on clause agreed at the time of his purchase.

What has Jones said about the Toney transfer?

Jones told GIVEMESPORT: “With Brentford I just can't see them selling Toney unless a ludicrous offer lands. I think he wouldn't be a bad option at all, if you want somebody to backup Bamford. As it stands, Bamford should be fit to start the season. But from his past, we know that like the likelihood of him getting through an entire season is slim. So that'd be an interesting one if they were willing to stump up a lot of money.”

Why do Leeds want Toney?

Patrick Bamford has come into his own since stepping foot in the Premier League with Leeds with his 17 goals and eight assists in 2020-21 enough to earn him a call-up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

Yet injury problems continue to plague the striker.

Last season the 28-year-old played just nine times in the top-flight as issues with his ankle, hamstring and foot hampered Leeds’ survival chances.

Marsch and Marcelo Bielsa both found themselves short whenever the talisman was sidelined, with the likes of Rodrgio, Joe Gelhardt, Dan James, Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Tyler Roberts all tried up front.

Toney is someone who can both partner Bamford and provide that crucial cover when injuries inevitably strike once again.