Ivan Toney: Brentford striker out of squad due to transfer interest – manager Frank

Ivan Toney was left out of Brentford’s squad for the Premier League season opener, with manager Thomas Frank saying speculation over a potential move for the English striker played a major role in the decision.

Brentford striker Toney has been linked with a move to several English clubs this summer, as well as a switch to the Saudi Pro League.

Frank told Sky Sports ahead of his team’s match against Crystal Palace: “There’s a lot of things going on around Ivan (Toney), especially in terms of transfers. There’s a lot of interest in these players.

“For that reason we have decided not to include him in the selection.”

Asked if Toney had played his last game for Brentford, Frank said: “Who knows? There is interest, it’s not close.”

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

Toney returned to action in January after serving an eight-month ban for breaching the Football Association’s betting rules, including betting against his own team.