Brentford drop Ivan Toney due to 'transfer interest'

Ivan Toney has been left out of the Brentford squad for their first game of the season due to 'transfer interest'.

The striker has made no secret of his desire to leave the Bees this transfer window and he has only one year left to run on his contract.

The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United have all been linked with Toney, though none have presented an offer to Brentford to this point with just under a fortnight of the window remaining. Chelsea, United, Spurs and West Ham have all signed other strikers this summer too.

Instead, Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli are reported to be the frontrunners and Toney would be open to a lucrative move to the Middle East if he receives the right offer.

Toney was expected to start for Brentford's opening match of the Premier League campaign at home to Crystal Palace on Sunday, but was not named in their matchday squad.

Head coach Thomas Frank explained to Sky Sports that while a move is not yet finalised, he omitted Toney for transfer-related reasons.

"A lot of things going on with Ivan, there is some transfer interest," Frank said. "Because of that he is not in the squad.

"Ivan is a top player we all know that. He has been a fantastic player for us for four years but we showed last year we could cope without him."

In the absence of Toney, Brentford will field a front three of Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Kevin Schade.

The Bees signed Brazilian striker Igor Thiago from Club Brugge for £30m as a Toney replacement, but he is not expected to feature until December at the earlier after picking up a knee injury in pre-season.

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