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Published 04/01/2024 at 18:47 GMT
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has insisted striker Ivan Toney will only leave the club in the January transfer window if an “unbelievable price” is offered. The 27-year-old has been linked with Arsenal and Chelsea as his eight-month betting ban comes to an end, but Frank remains confident he will stay at the club. Brentford have struggled without Toney, sitting 16th in the Premier League table.
Ivan Toney of Brentford runs for the ball during the Premier League match between Brentford FC and Nottingham Forest at Brentford Community Stadium
Image credit: Getty Images
Brentford will only consider selling striker Ivan Toney if they are tempted with an “unbelievable” offer, according to manager Thomas Frank.
Toney’s future has been a hot topic as his eight-month betting ban nears its conclusion.
He could make his first appearance for Brentford against Nottingham Forest on January 20, but has been linked with a move away during the winter transfer window. Arsenal and Chelsea are among the clubs reportedly interested.
Asked ahead of Brentford’s FA Cup match against Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday whether Toney would stay at the club beyond January, Frank appeared confident.
“The very short answer is yes,” he said.
“He is a Brentford player. He is here, we miss a few offensive players and I cannot see why we should sell him. I would love to have him here for a long time.
“It is not for me to discuss [an offer], but if I could ever recommend one, it would need to be an unbelievable price, so he will stay here.”
Brentford striker Toney given eight-month ban over betting
His initial 11-month suspension was reduced by three months as he was diagnosed with a gambling addiction.
Brentford have struggled without Toney’s goal scoring prowess, and currently sit 16th in the Premier League table, just four points off the relegation zone.
“We are clearly in a sticky patch and a spell we would like to get out of as quick as possible,” said Frank.
“It happens every year and to every team anywhere in the world. Hopefully it is only the one spell we will have this year. We are in it now and we will get through it as quickly as possible.”
Ivan Toney
Image credit: Getty Images
Brentford will seek to avenge last month’s 4-1 defeat to Wolves when they come up against Gary O’Neil’s team in the FA Cup third round.
“We really want to go on a cup run and tomorrow we will put out a strong team and do everything we can to win,” Frank added.
“The only thing we don’t want is a draw and I doubt Wolves want that either. I don’t understand why we have replays because we have enough games.
“I really enjoy the two cup tournaments in England. Obviously the FA Cup is the most historic one. It is fantastic to play in, and we should care about it, but the replays kill it, more than making it better.”
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