03 November 2023 , 21:11
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Thomas Frank has confirmed Ivan Toney is "happy" at Brentford and is confident of keeping the striker beyond January.
Toney, 27, is one of the most sought after players in the Premier League after scoring 21 goals in all competitions for Brentford last season. It's believed Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United are among those interested in the England international.
Toney is currently serving a suspension for breaching the Football Association's betting rules, but that ban ends in January. The former Newcastle striker will enter the final 18 months of his contract at the same time, sparking rumours of a transfer.
Yet Frank is determined to keep hold of his prized asset. Although the Bees manager is refusing to rule out a transfer, he's optimistic Toney will stay in west London and sign new contract with Brentford. Frank is also refusing to put a price tag on him.
Frank spoke to the press on Friday ahead of Brentford's home game against London rivals West Ham the following day. "I hope not," said Frank when asked whether Toney will leave the club in January. "I want him to stay. Ivan is happy to stay. He is happy at the club.
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"What happens in the future is impossible to guess about... 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 scored 21 goals in all competitions last season (PA)Do you think Ivan Toney should leave Brentford? Let us know in the comments below!
Toney has become of English football's most exciting forwards since starting his career with boyhood club Northampton. He joined Newcastle in August 2015 after impressing in League Two but failed to make the grade in the Premier League.
Toney completed loan spells with Barnsley, Shrewsbury, Scunthorpe and Wigan before making a permanent move to Peterborough in August 2018. It didn't take long for the striker to make Newcastle regret the sale, as he scored 49 goals in 94 games for the Posh.
Brentford signed Toney from Peterborough in a £10m deal in August 2020 after losing the Championship play-off final to Fulham the previous season. He proved to be the missing piece to their puzzle, scoring 33 goals to fire the Bees to promotion.
Toney has since proven his Premier League class by scoring 32 goals in 66 games in the division. Brentford will not sell him on the cheap in January - with rumours of a £100m price tag - but they could be forced into a sale if he enters the final year of his contract.