Ange Postecoglou has revealed Tottenham chose to sign Dominic Solanke over Ivan Toney because he wanted the former Bournemouth striker more.
Spurs held an interest in Toney during the summer transfer window, Postecoglou has confirmed, but eventually decided to swoop for Solanke in a £65million deal.
Both Solanke and Toney are believed to have attracted no shortage of potential suitors and the latter went on to move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ahli for £40m.
England hopeful Solanke, 27, scored 21 goals in all competitions for the Cherries last season but was determined to take a step up and compete in Europe.
Explaining Spurs’ choice, Postecoglou said: ‘We looked at him, but the reality was that Dom [Solanke] 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.’
Ange Postecoglou has revealed why Tottenham chose Dominic Solanke over Ivan Toney
Toney attracted interest from several clubs before eventually joining Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia
Postecoglou has also urged supporters to be patient with the frontman and avoid rushing to judgement after his difficult start to life at the club.
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Solanke has yet to score his first goal for Spurs in his three appearances this season but his manager is confident he will come good.
‘He’s settled in really well,’ Postecoglou added. ‘There’s plenty more to come from him, because he got injured. He’s only played two-and-a-bit games for us.
‘He just needs to get some games under his belt. But what I’ve seen in the games he has played, he’s going to be a real asset for us.
‘I’ve got no doubt he’ll be a great contributor.’
Spurs’ club-record signing, Solanke made his debut against Leicester City in their Premier League opener but then suffered an ankle injury.
He went on to miss out on matches against Everton and Newcastle but made his return in the north London derby defeat by Arsenal last weekend.
