Ange Postecoglou has revealed Tottenham Hotspur considered moving for Ivan Toney during the summer transfer window.

Spurs’ desire to bring in a new starting striker was no secret and they eventually brought in Dominic Solanke from Bournemouth for a fee that could exceed £60m if all add-ons are met.

Though Solanke was the centre forward the north Londoners ended up signing, they were also linked with Toney, who was seeking an exit from Brentford with just under 12 months left on his contract.

Speaking to the media ahead of Saturday’s visit from the Bees, Postecoglou confirmed that Toney, who wound up joining Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli on deadline day, was indeed on Spurs’ shortlist.

“We looked at him,” the Australian said. “But the reality was that Dom is the one that I wanted.

“It took the whole summer to get him in but he was the one that fitted the profile that we wanted.”

Solanke is yet to score for Tottenham in three games for the club so far. He made his debut in a 1-1 draw at Leicester City before an ankle injury sidelined him until after the September international break.

The 27-year-old was then handed starts in Spurs’ 1-0 loss at home to Arsenal and their 2-1 win at Coventry City in the Carabao Cup. He is expected to lead the line against Brentford this weekend.

However, Postecoglou has confirmed Richarlison is out of action for the forseeable future and is unsure when he will return from injury.

“[Richarlison] is a fair way off. You’re better off not asking about him until I give an update because he’s not with the first team,” he added.

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