Brentford are reportedly holding firm on their asking price for wantaway forward Ivan Toney, despite running the risk of losing him for free at the end of the upcoming season.
Since returning from his eight-month betting ban, Toney has been linked with moves to several top Premier League clubs, including the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea.
The 28-year-old striker struggled to regain his best goalscoring form after the lengthy absence but was included in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024.
Despite not starting a match in Germany, he made a few key contributions during England's run to the final, including assisting Harry Kane's extra-time winner against Slovakia and scoring a penalty in the penalty shootout victory over Switzerland.
While Toney has repeatedly hinted he is keen to secure a summer move to a team competing in Europe, it seems that any move will now hinge on his potential suitors' willingness to splash out a sizeable chunk of change.
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Brentford holding out for £60m fee for Ivan Toney
According to The Independent, despite having entered the final 12 months of his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium, Brentford are still holding out for at least £60m to allow Toney to leave this summer.
The report adds that Arsenal were considered frontrunners to sign the England international ahead of the new season but were put off by the Bees' valuation.
The Gunners have since turned their attention elsewhere with Mikel Arteta and Edu believed to be eyeing up a move for Sporting Lisbon forward Viktor Gyokeres.
It is understood that Man United and Chelsea remain interested in Toney's services but are also unsettled by the player's asking price, and may consider testing the water with offers of loans with obligations to buy later on.
Brentford paid a little over £300,000 to sign Toney from Peterborough at the start of the 2018-19 season, and he has gone on to score 72 goals and 23 assists in 141 appearances since then.
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Saudi clubs plotting Toney swoop this summer
While Toney has expressed his desire to play for one of England's top clubs, reports in recent days have suggested that Saudi Pro League chiefs are eyeing up a move for the 28-year-old this summer.
The player's £60m valuation is unlikely to be an issue for the PIF-owned powerhouses and TEAMtalk claim that Al-Ahli are considering making a formal approach for the Brentford attacker in the coming days.
Al-Malaki are no strangers to attracting Premier League talent either, having secured the signings of Riyad Mahrez and Roberto Firmino over the last couple of seasons.
While Toney would likely prefer to remain in England, it will be interesting to see if he changes his stance if an official bid is received, given the incredible wage overseas players have pocketed since making the move to the Middle East.
Al-Ahli finished third in the Saudi Pro League standings last term and are believed to be looking to bolster their squad as they look to challenge Al-Nassr and Al-Hilal for the league title this season.
Devesh Jaganath
