Ange Postecoglou explains why Tottenham did not sign Ivan Toney after opting for £65m Dominic Solanke deal
Ange Postecoglou has explained the reason for not signing Ivan Toney, saying that he wanted Dominic Solanke more.
Toney was heavily linked with a move to north London as uncertainty over his Brentford future grew over the course of the previous Premier League campaign.
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In the end Spurs opted to sign Solanke from Bournemouth in a deal worth £65million.
This came after he racked up 21 goals in all competitions for the Cherries last term.
That paved the way for Toney to complete a lucrative move of his own, joining Saudi Arabian side Al Ahli for a fee of £40m.
Explaining Tottenham's decision not to sign Toney, Postecoglou said: "We looked at him, but the reality was that Dom [Solanke] is the one that I wanted.
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“It took the whole summer to get him in, but he was the one that fitted the profile that we wanted.”
While Toney is already making a big success of himself in Saudi Arabia with two goals and an assist to his name, Solanke is still bedding into life in north London.
Solanke has endured a tricky start to life with Tottenham, with his new team winning just one of three fixtures he's played in.
Without a goal to his name, the 27-year-old will be desperate to open his account for the Lilywhites when they face Brentford on Saturday evening - LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on talkSPORT 2.
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But discussing Solanke, Postecoglou only had positive things to say.
“He’s settled in really well,” Postecoglou said in his pre-match press conference on Friday.
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“There’s plenty more to come from him, because he got injured. He’s only played two-and-a-bit games for us.
“He just needs to get some games under his belt.
"But what I’ve seen in the games he has played, he’s going to be a real asset for us.
Troy Deeney urges Tottenham to buy Brentford's Ivan Toney over Bournemouth star Dominic Solanke
"I’ve got no doubt he’ll be a great contributor.”
Tottenham vs Brentford kicks off at 3pm on Saturday, September 21 and is exclusively live on talkSPORT 2.
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