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David Bentley is convinced that there is truth to the speculation linking an experienced centre-forward with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in January.
Spurs have had some big issues up front this season, and their problems have been compounded by the latest news that Randal Kolo Muani now faces an extended spell on the sidelines.
It has been widely reported that Tottenham want to offer an experienced striker a route back to the Premier League.
The player in question is Ivan Toney, who has scored 11 goals in 15 matches for Al-Ahli this season, and is someone Thomas Frank knows well.
The Tottenham boss has done little to distance himself and the club from the speculation. In fact, Frank has said that he would be happy to work with Toney at Tottenham, thus adding more fuel to the rumours.
David Bentley believes Ivan Toney is in talks with Tottenham
Last week, a report in TEAMtalk claimed that Tottenham are exploring a loan move for Ivan Toney in January, which would allow the striker to get around the tax issues associated with an early exit from the Saudi Pro League.
David Bentley is convinced that the 29-year-old would be a perfect fit for Tottenham and that the player is already speaking to the Lilywhites about a temporary switch.
Bentley told Sky Sports News: “He is a great player. Scoring goals in the Premier League is not easy, and the way he did it, the way he plays the game, he is comfortable on the ball and scores goals.
“I think Tottenham, he’s got to go to Tottenham, surely. Under Thomas Frank, he had a great time with him at Brentford, and I’m sure they’re talking. I’m sure that [Tottenham] will be the number one destination for him to go back in at.
“I think Tottenham are struggling with the centre forwards at the moment. Solanke is out injured, and Richarlison is not at the level that he needs to be. I think Tottenham’s new signing in January will be on loan.”
Bentley says England prospects may tempt Toney to sign for Spurs
The former Tottenham winger suggested that the Al-Ahli man has to return to the Premier League to make the England squad for next summer’s World Cup.
He suggested that the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium would be the perfect setting for Toney to prove his worth to Thomas Frank.
Bentley added: “I think he will want to go in at Tottenham, I think for him as well, to go and play in that stadium, play for that football club under Thomas Frank, I think that’s the perfect destination for him. If he wants to get into the England team, it’s not about money, it’s about playing, getting into that World Cup squad.
“That’s where everyone wants to be, and I think the perfect environment is Tottenham Football Club, and hopefully he’s going to end up there, because I think Tottenham could do with him.
“I think England could as well, because from a centre forward point of view, if anything happens with Harry Kane, what’s an exceptional player he is, but if anything happens, we’re struggling a little bit.”
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