Thomas Frank has now admitted that rumoured Tottenham target Ivan Toney is highly likely to leave Brentford next summer since he will have just a year left on his contract at the Gtech Community Stadium.
Toney has served yet another reminder of the qualities he possesses after returning to action from his ban last month, with the centre-forward netting twice in two Premier League outings over the last couple of weeks (Transfermarkt).
It perhaps came as a bit of a surprise that the England international ended up staying put at the West London club last month as it was widely reported ahead of the January window that Spurs, Chelsea and Arsenal were all circling over the striker (Daily Express).
Given Richarlison’s impressive recent form and Son Heung-min’s impressive record whenever he has led the line for Tottenham, it can be argued that the Gunners and the Blues need a top-quality number nine more desperately than the Lilywhites do.
However, journalist Dean Jones predicted on Ranks FC Ultras Podcast last week that Ange Postecoglou’s men are the most likely to sign the Brentford star next summer out of the three London sides.
Thomas Frank admits Ivan Toney exit is likely
Frank has now hinted that Toney is not on course to sign a new contract with the Bees, with an exit thus being very much on the cards when the transfer window reopens in June.
When asked about the 27-year-old’s future, the Brentford boss told Tipsbladet: “It is relatively obvious that Ivan Toney will probably be sold this summer. It can be expensive to sell your best player, but conversely, I also know that this summer he only has one year left on his contract with us.
“We also know what he is worth. I don’t think there are many strikers in the world who are better than him right now. He is a really skilled striker who is in his prime football age. Personally, as a coach, I would prefer to keep Toney, but one day it could be fun to see him on a top team.”
Frank confirmed that Brentford did not receive any approaches for Toney last month but admitted that he expects that to change in the summer.
The Dane added: “This winter we actually had no offers for him, but it will surprise me if there aren’t a lot of clubs that will be interested in him.”
Spurs Web Opinion
Tottenham’s plans always appeared to be to put off their pursuit of a centre-forward until next summer. If Richarlison carries on his impressive form until the end of the campaign, Postecoglou’s men might decide to pursue a young, up-and-coming talent rather than spending big on a big name such as Toney or Gimenez.