Brentford leave Toney out over transfer interest

Ivan Toney was near retired of Brentford's squad for their Premier League opener, pinch head Thomas Frank saying speculation astir a imaginable move for nan England guardant was a awesome facet down nan decision.

Brentford striker Toney has been linked pinch moves to respective English clubs this summertime arsenic good arsenic a move to nan Saudi Pro League.

Speaking earlier his side's lucifer pinch Crystal Palace, Frank told Sky Sports: "There are a batch of things going connected pinch Ivan [Toney], particularly pinch transfers, there's a batch of transportation interest.

"Because of each that, we've decided not to see him successful nan squad."

Asked if Toney has already played his past lucifer for Brentford, Frank said: "Who knows? There is interest, it's not close."

The 28-year-old has scored 67 convention goals successful 128 games since joining Brentford from Peterborough United successful 2020.

Toney returned to action successful January aft he was was banned for 8 months for breaking Football Association betting rules - including betting against his ain team.

Former Liverpool defender Stephen Warnock said Brentford "won't beryllium surprised" by nan transportation speculation.

"Do they deliberation they tin past without Ivan Toney? The determination coming suggests that yes, they deliberation they can," he told BBC Radio 5 Live.

"They are astatine nan shape wherever they are thinking, 'Go on, make america an connection then.'"

Ex-England striker Ellen White added connected BBC Radio 5 Live: "Not to beryllium sadistic but if Brentford get nan money for Ivan Toney and spell connected to enactment up this play past they are laughing aren't they?

"He would beryllium a immense miss but he is successful nan past twelvemonth of his statement truthful he would fundamentally spell connected a free adjacent summer."