Al-Ahli director Rui Pedro Braz has now reacted to speculation linking Ivan Toney with a move to Tottenham Hotspur in January.
The speculation linking Toney with a move to N17 has been steadily gathering steam over the last month.
Some sources have alleged that Tottenham are working on a potential loan formula to land Toney in January, as that would allow the striker to get around the tax loopholes associated with an early exit from Saudi Arabia.
Spurs are not alone in their admiration of the 29-year-old, with Everton and West Ham thought to be battling Tottenham for Toney’s signature.
Al-Ahli shut down Ivan Toney to Tottenham rumours
The big question, though, is whether the Saudi Pro League club would entertain letting their star striker leave on loan.
Al-Ahli’s director, Rui Pedro Braz, has now provided a clear response, and the answer is a resounding ‘no’, with the Portuguese director ruling out the England international’s departure in January.
Braz said (via Fabrizio Romano): “Ivan Toney is a top player, a top striker. The rumours around his possible exit in January are not based on reality. It’s just not true. We’re counting on him, it makes zero sense to address this subject in November.”
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It is clear that Al-Ahli do not want to let the centre-forward leave, and it sounds like the Lilywhites’ only hope is if the player pushes for a move.
Some pundits have suggested that Toney will be keen on a switch to Tottenham in January in order to give himself a chance of making the England squad for the World Cup.