The Peterborough United chief insists Ronnie Edwards will one day cost a big club an absolute fortune… just like Ivan Toney!

Posh held on to his trump card throughout a tense transfer day despite interest from Premier League clubs Chelsea and Crystal Palace.

MacAnthony was surprised other top-flight big names haven’t made offers but he expects more interest in the 19-year-old centre-back when the January transfer window opens.

Chief Posh also used the latest edition of his Hard Truth podcast to rage about the nearly £2billion spent by Premier League clubs during the summer transfer window, with most having left the country.

“I was expecting a few of the other big boys to come in and replace Ronnie,” MacAnthony said. “And if his last name was Edwardinho or Edwardez and he played in the Belgian second division, we would probably have had all the clubs in the country after him.

“But such is the snobbery in our industry clubs who like to go overseas rather than switch to the EFL.

“Around £1.9bn was spent by Premier League clubs in the transfer window and only £130m went into the EFL, with former Premiership clubs now in the Championship securing the major part.

“It’s shocking, but I’m not shocked because of the snobbery. More than 90% of the money spent has left our shores.

“There’s no doubt Ronnie will play at the top one day. He’s cool and has so much going for him. I know some people like to point out his shortcomings, but show me a 19-year-old who doesn’t. Ronnie is as good as they come and no matter where he goes he will be a hit.

“The club that tried to buy him the most knows he would earn over £40m in a few years. Average centre-backs can reach £60m.

“They tried to get in before the big boys came for Ronnie because they know they will. The other club interested in him said they would be back in January.

“Ronnie will be bought and in two and a half years he will be sold for £60m-70m, that is the current market for young centre-backs.

“People laughed at my valuation of Ivan Toney, but did they see what he did last weekend?

“He’s an England striker. He’s done more than Lakaku in the last 18 months and he’s moved for almost £100m.

“Toney could play for Liverpool. Liverpool are a direct team and you’re telling me Ivan wouldn’t score 25 goals in this team with his eyes closed? With those full-backs and goals from set pieces.”

“Toney is also durable. He gives you 50 games a season.

“If Brentford don’t get more than £70m for Ivan next summer, then again, that’s snobbery.

“Chelsea have been looking for a centre-forward all season and they have now signed a 33-year-old from Aubameyang.

“People have laughed at my £10m valuation for Ivan. We already have more than that with his promotion, goals and assists and more when he’s sold.”