Chelsea make Toney decision as West Ham line up £20m swoop for star

All the latest Premier League transfer rumours – with news from Chelsea, West Ham, Wolves and Forest

Reports are emerging that Chelsea are cooling their heels on the concept of signing Brentford’s Ivan Toney, who had been near the top of the shortlist for the number nine role this summer .

That’s despite Toney scoring four goals in his first eight games for the Bees since returning to action after an eight-month ban for gambling infractions. Apparently Chelsea simply “aren’t that convinced anymore” and are looking at “different strikers in terms of age” – the England international is 27.

The 3AM Verdict: Apparently Chelsea’s priority is Victor Osimhen, although that seems like an increasingly optimistic preference given how far they are from a Champions League spot just now.

Sport Witness have some pretty exciting news for West Ham United fans. Apparently, reports in Germany suggest that VfB Stuttgart winger Chris Führich, who has six goals and seven assists in the Bundesliga this season, is a summer target for David Moyes. Führich, who made his debut for Germany in October, has been superb this season and his attacking returns have propelled Stuttgart up to third in the German top flight. So the possibility of buying him for £17-21.5m should set some mouths watering.

The 3AM Verdict: Führich has got decent pace and dribbling skills and a lovely passing game, which has made him a real creative force – and at around £20m, he looks like an excellent signing.

Elsewhere, HITC come bearing news of a three-way transfer battle which is developing of Scotland international midfielder Lewis Ferguson, who plies his trade with Bologna in Serie A – but who could be on his way to the Premier League, with Wolverhampton Wanderers, Nottingham Forest and Brentford all keen. The nephew of former Scotland captain Barry, Lewis is a hardworking central midfielder and the fee is likely to be around £15m.

The 3AM Verdict: The 23-year-old isn’t a flashy player but is effective, and has the kind of work ethic you can’t help but respect, so you can see why Premier League clubs would be keen.

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