Middlesbrough warned that summer striker target won't come 'on the cheap' amid European interest

The former Newcastle United striker was heavily linked with Boro in the winter transfer window after a goal-laden season in League One, and he is expected to be on the radar of a host of Premier League and Championship clubs once the summer transfer window opens.

But Peterborough director of football Barry Fry has warned clubs that Toney won’t be available in a cut-price deal this summer.

“We expect clubs who have bid for Ivan before to be back and we expect Premier League clubs to get involved when their season is finished,” he said, speaking to the Peterborough Telegraph.

“The transfer window won’t open until the Premier League and Championship seasons are over which is wrong in my opinion as lower league clubs need money now.

“We are fortunate enough to be better off than most so Ivan won’t be leaving on the cheap. He is under contract to us for another season.”

Indeed, Posh have already received enquiries from Bundesliga and MLS clubs for the striker - and expect interest to mount in the coming weeks.

“There won’t be a shortage of clubs trying to sign Ivan, but it is difficult to know what the market will be like when it reopens,” admitted Fry.

“Big Bundesliga clubs and one very big American club have shown an interest, but they are not talking the numbers we would expect yet.”