Brentford manager Thomas Frank has revealed that he does not expect Ivan Toney to leave the Gtech Community Stadium this summer despite interest from Premier League clubs and Saudi Arabia.
Toney rejoined the Bees' squad in January 2024 after serving an eight-month ban for violating Football Association betting regulations.
The 28-year-old struggled to find his best form following his return, managing just four goals and two assists in 17 matches during the second half of last season.
Despite this, Toney was included in Gareth Southgate's England squad for Euro 2024, and while he did not start any of the matches in Germany, he did make a couple of important contributions.
The Brentford forward came off the bench to set up Harry Kane for the Three Lions' victory over Slovakia in the last 16 and also converted a penalty in the shootout against Switzerland.
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Toney to remain at Brentford in 2024-25?
Toney has repeatedly mentioned that he is looking for a move to a Premier League club that is competing in Europe this summer and has yet to commit to a new deal at Brentford.
The Bees looked set to part ways with the 28-year-old this summer but slapped a £60m asking price on him that deterred several potential suitors.
The England international has still been linked to a number of clubs over the summer, including the likes of Manchester United and Chelsea, while Al-Ahli of the Saudi Pro League are also believed to have signalled their interest in him.
However, in an interview with Sky Sports, Brentford boss Thomas Frank suggested that the wantaway forward could remain at the Gtech beyond the September 1 deadline.
"There's been lots of talk about if Ivan will leave the club this summer. So far, he's still a Brentford player.
"We're getting closer to him remaining as a Brentford player. I'm getting more and more excited by that, as he's a top player.
"I love working with Ivan and we have a great relationship. I think he will be a Brentford player on September 1," Frank told reporters.
Toney has finished as Brentford's top scorer in two of their three Premier League seasons under Frank, netting 36 top-flight goals, and he will be vital for the team in the months ahead if he remains at the club.
![England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]](https://sm.imgix.net/24/26/ivan-toney.jpg?w=640&h=480&auto=compress,format&fit=clip "England's Ivan Toney pictured during the warm-up on June 25, 2024 [IMAGO]")
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Toney to re-think Saudi offer?
Toney has admitted that his preference is to remain in England and compete in Europe with one of the Premier League's top clubs.
However, with English clubs being unwilling to meet Brentford's asking price, the striker may end up changing his stance with Saudi clubs showing major interest in his services.
Foot Mercato report that Al-Ahli, who is the side most interested in the England international, are willing to offer him a staggering £15m per year deal if he makes the move to the Middle East.
While this amount pales in comparison to the mind-boggling wages that the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar earn in the Pro League, it does represent a 15 times increase for Toney, who is believed to pocket around £1m per year at Brentford.
The 28-year-old is now in the final 12 months of his contract with the Bees and will be able to leave as a free agent at the end of the upcoming season if he is not sold.
Devesh Jaganath
