Thomas Frank has described Ivan Toney as one of the best strikers in the world and admitted that the rumoured Tottenham target does have a price.
Toney is currently serving an eight-month FA ban for breaching betting regulations, which will lapse in January.
Several outlets over the last few weeks have backed the Lilywhites to explore a move for the 27-year-old in the January window.
Football.London recently explained that the striker’s decision to sign with CAA Stellar Sports might work to the North London club’s advantage since Daniel Levy and co have a good relationship with the agency.
Spurs are not the only club eyeing the England international, who is also thought to be on the radars of Arsenal (The Times), Manchester United (Football Transfers) and Chelsea (GiveMeSport).
LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – MAY 6: Ivan Toney of Brentford during the Premier League match between Liverpool FC and Brentford FC at Anfield on May 6, 2023 in Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Photo by MB Media/Getty Images)
Ivan Toney has a price amid Tottenham links
Brentford have proven notoriously difficult to negotiate with over the past couple of years, but Frank insisted that the West London club are open to selling their stars if their asking price is met.
Speaking on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football (as relayed by The Daily Mail), the Bees boss said: “I think every club in the world are a selling club except five or six clubs. We are a selling club, if the right price is there.
“I think if it’s the right time for the player to go, from my perspective that’s not my decision that would be Phil [Giles, director of football] or Matthew [Benham, Brentford’s owner] in the end, then I think if they have developed well with us, been on the journey, and now they’re proven good enough to go to the top clubs, then I think it’s the right thing, if it’s the right price.”
When asked if this applies to Toney, Frank responded: “Yeah, I think so. I understand why there are a lot of rumours out there about him.
“For me, he’s one of the best strikers, as a striker No.9, I don’t see many out there who is better in the world than him, of course you have [Harry] Kane, [Robert] Lewandowski, [Erling] Haaland and these types, but not many.
“He scored 20 goals in the Premier League last year, in, of course, a very good Brentford side but of course we are not creating as many chances as the top six or seven teams.
“So imagine him in a top team, he’d easily score 20, 25 goals, for me. I think he’s composed, he’s a good finisher, top mentality, so I understand why clubs are looking at him.”
Spurs Web Opinion
It does sound like Brentford are braced for offers for Toney in January. However, they are likely to demand a substantial fee of around £70m-£80m, which I cannot see Tottenham paying. I expect the England international to end up at Chelsea, who are desperately in need of a number nine.
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