Liverpool target Johan Bakayoko has reportedly piqued the interest of their Premier League rivals Brentford, who are eyeing up a new frontman to replace Ivan Toney. Toney is expected to leave the GTech Community Stadium this summer, with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United all said to be in the hunt for his signature.
Last month, it was reported that Liverpool had Bakayoko on their shortlist after Brentford had attempted to land the player in 2023 when they tabled a £30million bid. The Bees were ultimately thwarted when the attacker opted to stay with his current employers PSV.
Bakayoko has gone on to rack up 13 goals and 14 assists in all competitions this season, with PSV virtually guaranteed to win the Eredivisie title after opening up a nine-point lead over second-place Feyenoord ahead of the final three matches.
According to The Mirror, Bakayoko heads Thomas Frank’s shopping list along with Blackburn frontman Sammie Szmodics, who is the Championship’s top scorer this campaign. Szmodics has banged in 25 league goals this term, despite Blackburn hovering just above the relegation zone, and also bagged six goals during three FA Cup appearances earlier this campaign.
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Brentford boss Frank has conceded that Toney will turn his back on the Bees this summer following four prolific seasons in west London. The striker joined Brentford from Peterborough in September 2020 and has gone on to score 72 goals in 137 appearances.
Brentford will demand a fee of £40m in exchange for Toney, with Chelsea currently said to be leading the chase for his signature. And Brentford’s pursuit of Bakayoko and Szmodics will be music to the ears of Toney’s suitors, who will be battling each other to get a deal for the England international over the line.
If Brentford do sign Bakayoko, they may have to see off Liverpool as well as other European clubs. The 21-year-old is wanted by Borussia Dortmund, with Manchester City and Chelsea also said to be keen on him. And PSV have increased Bakayoko’s price tag since last year, with the player having two years remaining on his contact in the Netherlands.
Brentford have endured a difficult season this time around and had to cope without Toney for the first half of the campaign after the 28-year-old was banned for eight months due to betting offences. The former Newcastle player returned to action in January and scored four goals in his first five Premier League matches back but hasn’t found the back of the net in his last nine appearances.
