League One rival hopes this ex-Newcastle United striker doesn't prove a distraction as Sunderland forward wins praise

Toney is set to leave Posh this summer with a host of clubs interested in the striker including Celtic, Rangers, Brentford and Brighton.

Peterborough boss Darren Ferguson is adamant his future mustn’t prove a distraction for their preparations ahead of the new season.

“We will have to wait and see with Ivan and it could be a distraction if his situation rumbles on. That wouldn’t be ideal,” Ferguson told the Peterborough Telegraph.

“It would be better if things were resolved quickly, but the owners quite rightly won’t sell him unless they get the right price so it could be we end up with the best striker in League One playing for us at the start of the season so I’m quite relaxed about it.

“Ivan won’t play in the first friendlies, but if he is still here as the new season approaches I will have to play him.

“I can’t sign anyone until he leaves which again is not ideal as I would want as much time as possible with the player we bring in to replace him.”

Meanwhile, Sunderland forward Jack Diamond has won praise after helping Harrogate Town reach League Two thanks to a win in the National League play-off final at Wembley against Notts County.

Harrogate boss Simon Weaver said: “Please keep it between us that Jack Diamond has developed and done so well for us because we don't want Sunderland calling him back!

“He showed his qualities at Wembley although, to be honest, he was probably a bit more subdued because of his defensive duties to try and keep Callum Roberts quiet. He doubled up a lot so he found himself a bit deeper but a player. He's done us proud and so have Sunderland.

“They've been brilliant with the way they've handled the loan system and in extended it.

“Hopefully it's a good example of the benefit of loans to clubs like Sunderland in exposing their players to men's football because he's just grown in stature and he's been a great loan signing for us."