Ivan Toney was left out of Brentford's squad for their Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Sunday; Bees boss Thomas Frank said the striker was the subject of transfer interest; the 2024 summer transfer window officially closes on August 30 at 11pm UK time in the Premier League
Wednesday 21 August 2024 14:45, UK
Brentford are standing firm on their price for Ivan Toney.
Talks remain ongoing with Al Ahli over a deal but the Saudi Arabian side are still some distance from the west London club's valuation.
Al Ahli approached Brentford shortly before the weekend and made an offer for the England international, who is training as normal on Wednesday.
It was best decided the 28-year-old should not be involved in their opening win over Crystal Palace on Sunday. Brentford beat Palace 2-1, with forwards Bryan Mbeumo and Yoane Wissa finding the net.
Toney was training with the Brentford squad at their Jersey Road training ground on Wednesday morning, with Thomas Frank admitting that the striker wants to move to another club.
"He's training, with a good attitude, no problem," Frank told Sky Sports News. "We took the decision last week because there's obviously something going on, Ivan is doing what he can do and he's training.
"For him, he needs to feel what is right for him. And then we all know, if that [him leaving] is going to happen, the two clubs need to agree [a fee]. The club or clubs that are coming, that's what he wants.
"I think he's been vocal about wanting to try something new. He's also been vocal about how happy he is here at Brentford. So let's see."
Asked if Toney could feature for Brentford in their Super Sunday trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool this weekend, Frank replied: "You never know in the world of football."
Al Ahli have several former Premier League players in their squad, including Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy and Roberto Firmino.
"If Brentford were to sell me and make their money, I move to Madrid and it's all good!"
Back in March, Ivan Toney told Sky Sports News his ideal summer. Keep Brentford in the Premier League - tick. Be in the mix for the Euro 2024 - tick. Win the Euros - pretty close. And then came the hope that Brentford would sell him and he would move to a top club.
That last one has not come to fruition. The only club to have made a move for him so far this summer is Al Ahli of the Saudi Pro League. Despite the riches and obvious attraction of Saudi football, it was not the level he was initially looking for.
Sky Sports News explores why a move to a Premier League club has yet to materialise for Toney.
Sky Sports' Jamie Redknapp on Super Sunday:
"Toney has a year left on his contract, so it is Brentford's last chance to get some genuine money for him and he is looking at his options.
"A year ago he had a lot more than he has now. We thought he would go to Arsenal but that did not happen. Chelsea have looked at him and not gone for him, but I feel Saudi Arabia is an opportunity for him. There is interest there.
"Or he could sit, see out his contract and leave as a free agent next year, but he probably wants to do something now."
