Baka and Sammie for Bees

BY

BRENTFORD are ready for a double striker swoop this summer as they plan for life without Ivan Toney.

Long-term target, PSV Eindhoven’s Johan Bakayoko (above), and the Blackburn Rovers frontman Sammie Szmodics, head Brentford boss Thomas Frank’s shopping list.

The Bees wanted Bakayoko last year but the Belgian stayed put despite the west Londoners tabling a club-record £30million offer.

Bakayoko’s eye-catching form in Holland has seen a host of European clubs, including German giants Borussia Dortmund, join the race for the 21-year-old’s signature.

But despite PSV upping their asking price, Brentford remain firmly in the hunt for a player who has two years left on his contract.

The Bees – who will pocket at least £40m from the expected departure of star-man Toney – also fancy a run at in-demand Szmodics, the 25-goal top scorer in the Championship.

Brentford have looked at him three times in 2024, and though Szmodics won’t be short of Premier League interest this summer, the Bees are confident of fighting off the likes of Fulham to land the Republic of Ireland international.

SHEFFIELD UNITED became the first side to be relegated from the Premier League this season – but weren’t the only club suffering a drop yesterday.

Cheltenham Town have slipped back into League One after their 2-1 defeat at Stevenage. Sutton were also unable to escape the League Two drop zone as they drew 4-4 with MK Dons.

Huddersfield are on the brink of Championship relegation, and must hope for a three-point, 15-goal swing with Plymouth in the final game.