Ivan Toney: Brentford boss Thomas Frank says striker is happy to stay despite interest from Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has confirmed that Ivan Toney is happy to stay at the club despite mounting interest in his services from a host of Premier League sides.
Toney will be available to play again from 17 January when he completes his ban for betting breaches with a number of clubs interested in signing him in January.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea are in the market for a centre forward with the 27-year-old under consideration at both London clubs. Manchester United are also said to be monitoring his situation with the club eager to bring in another centre forward in January to ease the pressure on summer signing Rasmus Hojlund.
Toney netted 20 Premier League goals last season with Brentford’s asking price ranging from £80million to £100million, according to latest reports.
Brentford Boss Thomas Frank Confident Toney Will Stay
Brentford boss Frank would not confirm the club’s valuation during Friday’s press conference but remains convinced his striker will remain at the club this season.
‘I hope not,’ Frank said when asked about the possibility of Toney leaving in January. ‘I want him to stay. Ivan is happy to stay. He is happy at the club. What happens in the future is impossible to guess about.
He continued: ‘He’s a top player, one of our most important players, if not the most important last year. Any player that can score 20-plus goals in the Premier League are very, very important.
‘Ivan’s skillset in terms of finishing abilities with his left and right (foot), heading and his composure in those moments and his link-up play and his presence, character, is a very good package.
‘It’s not (up to) me to put a price tag on him, it’s down to the club. But I’m happy with him, I hope he plays here forever and I’m the coach.’
Toney Serving Eight-Month Ban
Toney is still serving an eight-month ban for betting breaches but has returned to first-team training and will be free to play again on 17 January.
Conclusion
Brentford boss Thomas Frank has confirmed that Ivan Toney is happy to stay at the club despite mounting interest from a host of Premier League sides. Despite not confirming the club’s valuation, Frank remains convinced his striker will remain at the club this season. Toney is still serving an eight-month ban for betting breaches but has returned to first-team training and will be free to play again on 17 January.