at their striker options and conclude ‘yeah, that’ll do’ highlights why they are in such a mess.
You can’t blame Ten Hag, while he’s copping flak from all sides, for sticking with what he knows. And that’s Ajax.
The United boss seems to have fancied bringing Brobbey with him ever since he left Amsterdam and this winter would have been the perfect time. The Netherlands striker has 13 goals in 18 Eredivisie games, despite Ajax being bobbins for much of the season.
Ivan Toney to Chelsea
Half of the Big Six seem content to take on the remainder of the season without sufficient striking options. Which is mental, especially in Chelsea’s case given the billion quid they have spaffed in the market since Boehly took over at the Bridge.
The Blues have plenty of attackers – Mauricio Pochettino has forwards to spare – but not a clinical goalscorer. The manager clearly does not see Armando Broja as the answer to his problems, but he also needs a patsy to pay big money so that the club can reinvest in a top-class striker.
Pochettino doesn’t have to look far to find one. Down the road at Brentford, Toney is gasping to make a big move.
It doesn’t matter that Toney has missed the season up until a week ago. His return showed how much of a game-changer he is for Brentford – and what he could offer Chelsea. Or Arsenal. Or Manchester United. Or even Tottenham.
Toney’s problem is his own absence. Brentford struggled without him to the point where they need him now to keep them away from a relegation fight. Unless Chelsea offer silly money.
Conor Gallagher to Tottenham
Selling Gallagher would be one way for Chelsea to raise a good chunk of cash needed to tempt Brentford. It seems that Tottenham just need to decide if they want to pay enough for the Blues to think selling their academy graduate is worthwhile.
That figure is said to be around £50million, which sounds ludicrous when you consider Pochettino didn’t much fancy the England midfielder early in the season. But Gallagher has made the most of the chances has been given and is now viewed as one of Pochettino’s most-trusted players.
Spurs are looking for an upgrade in central midfield, especially after being beset by injuries for much of the campaign so far, and we want to know if Gallagher can provide it. Surely he would thrive under Ange Postecoglou’s wing, with the Spurs’ manager’s faith and guidance, rather than remain at Chelsea, where the feeling persists that he’s more useful as a sellable asset and there only until they can get someone else.
