£4m bid for Old Firm target rejected as owner brands Celtic £5m-fee story 'b*****ks

Peterborough United rejected a £4million offer for the striker over the weekend as they aim to secure a few of around £10million, according to The Scotsman’s sister title Peterborough Today.

MLS side New York Red Bulls saw their offer thrown out by the League One side with interested parties warned that they will be unable to steal the player on the cheap.

Toney netted 26 goals in 39 appearances last season.

Director of football Barry Fry, who oversees transfer negotiations, said: “New York Red Bulls have plenty of money, but they didn’t offer us anywhere near enough for Ivan. It was £4 million with several add ons. but we will get bigger offers than that once our 2019-20 season comes to an end.

“Lots of clubs will be looking for a top-class striker and there won’t be any better than Ivan available, especially at what we consider a reasonable price for a player of his age who has already improved considerably and will improve even more in the future.”

Owner Darrah MacAnthony confirmed interest and bids for the player, although he stopped short of naming clubs.

One fan asked MacAnthony on Twitter about speculation that Celtic would only have to pay £5million for the 24-year-old.

He replied: “The figure quoted they'd have to pay is b*****ks yep. We are not giving away top assets.”