"There's some transfer interest" - Thomas Frank confirms Chelsea and Manchester United target is out of Brentford squad because of possible transfer
Brentford manager Thomas Frank has revealed why Chelsea and Manchester United transfer target Ivan Toney has been left out of his team's matchday squad. Brentford are playing Crystal Palace on Sunday, August 18, but Toney is not a part of the squad.
Frank has revealed that Toney is the subject of transfer interest and has been left out of the team as a result. Speaking on the same, he said (via Brentford FC on X):
"There's some transfer interest and because of all that we decided not to involve him today. Ivan is a top player; he's been fantastic for us over four years but we also showed, last year espcially, that we can win without him."
Chelsea have been linked with a transfer for Toney over the course of the summer transfer window but no deal has materialized. Manchester United have also been linked with a move despite the club already signing Joshua Zirkzee. Arsenal are another Premier League club with interest in Toney.
Toney is 28 and is in his prime. He is a physical presence who can rattle defenders and the England international has shown spectacular form for Brentford. Toney has so far scored 72 goals and provided 23 assists in 141 appearances for the Bees.
Apart from the aforementioned Premier League giants, Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli have also shown interest in Toney, as journalist Ben Jacobs reported. SPL sides offer salaries that Premier League sides can't match, hence, Toney's future remains up in the air.
Brentford reportedly want £60 million for Toney and the striker wants a €20 million-per-season salary to move to the Middle East.
Chelsea and Manchester United's striker options
Chelsea have Nicolas Jackson in their ranks, with David Datro Fofana also in the team. None of these players are experienced and proven at the top level. Ivan Toney would certainly be an upgrade.
Chelsea have also been linked with a move for Napoli talisman Victor Osimhen but Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) reportedly lead the race for the Nigerian.
Manchester United are also linked with Toney. United signed Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna and the Red Devils also have Rasmus Hojlund. Both strikers, though, are very young and Toney could certainly be a player who could guarantee goals for Manchester United.
United have already signed Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yoro, and Zirkzee. Hence, the Red Devils' spending power for Toney is under the scanner.