Peterborough United expect to field a ‘fearsome foursome’ of forwards next season even though the bids keep coming in for Ivan Toney

Peterborough United want to unleash a ‘fearsome foursome’ of forwards on League One next season.
Mo Eisa celebrates a Posh goal last season.Mo Eisa celebrates a Posh goal last season.
Mo Eisa celebrates a Posh goal last season.

That line-up is not expected to include Ivan Toney, but a replacement for the 26-goal striker from the 2019-20 season has been lined up to join forces with Mo Eisa, Siriki Dembele and Ricky-Jade Jones.

Posh chairman Darragh MacAnthony revealed that a Premier League club and a Championship club - believed to be Brighton and Brentford- have already made unsuccessful bids for Toney this summer.

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“We want four fearsome strikers next season,” MacAnthony said.

Siriki Dembele celebrates a Posh goal at Ipswich last season.Siriki Dembele celebrates a Posh goal at Ipswich last season.
Siriki Dembele celebrates a Posh goal at Ipswich last season.

“Any League One club would be licking their lips at the thought of having Siriki, Ricky and Mo in their squad, but we will also add a striker who will complement those three and suit the way we want to play.

“A Premier League club and a Championship club have been in touch about Ivan.

“I know what they are up to. They are trying to steal a march on the other nine clubs who will be in for him.

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“I told both clubs we will keep Ivan here if we don’t get what we want for him, but I expect a bidding war to break out and we will get that good price.

Ricky-Jade Jones in action for Posh at Rotherham last season.Ricky-Jade Jones in action for Posh at Rotherham last season.
Ricky-Jade Jones in action for Posh at Rotherham last season.

“And when we do we have his replacement lined up.”

Eisa scored 16 goals in his debut season at the Weston Homes Stadium after moving to Posh for a club record £1.3 million from Bristol City last summer, while 17 year-old Jones enjoyed a breakthrough season at his hometown club.

Dembele was a revelation when switched up front to play alongside Toney and Posh manager Ferguson has high hopes he will carry that form into the next campaign.

Ferguson said: “Siriki took some persuading to play up front. He saw himself as a winger or a number 10, but once he started up top he was outstanding and he enjoyed himself.

Ivan Toney.Ivan Toney.
Ivan Toney.
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“We were a very good side in the last couple of months of the season and Siriki was probably our most consistent player in that period.”

MacAnthony added last season’s successful loan signings Sammie Szmodics, Josh Knight and Reece Brown are unlikely to return to the Weston Homes Stadium.

Szmodics wants to play in the Championship, while Brown’s wages would be a considerable stumbling block.

Knight has been linked with a loan move back to Posh or League One rivals Portsmouth next season, but Ferguson would want the 22 year-old to be available for pre-season training and that is thought unlikely.

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Posh are seeking a back-up goalkeeper and a new midfielder as well as a replacament for Toney ahead of next season.

MacAnthony also insisted Posh wouldn’t re-sign Marcus Maddison ‘if he offered to pay us to play.’