- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
HITC understands that Brentford have not dropped their price tag for Ivan Toney amid transfer interest from the likes of Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.
Brentford insist that they will not be allowing their star striker to leave in a cut-price deal this summer – the transfer window officially opens on Friday.
Arsenal finished runners-up during the recently concluded Premier League campaign, Chelsea replaced Mauricio Pochettino with Enzo Maresca after finishing sixth, Tottenham will be returning to Europe and West Ham are also under new management.
But perhaps the biggest story of them all was Manchester United sticking with Erik ten Hag after their worst-ever finish in England’s top-flight in over three decades and FA Cup final win at Wembley.
Ivan Toney’s £60 million price tag
Ivan Toney is currently in Germany as England prepare for their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday, with Gareth Southgate opting to select three strikers in his final 26-man squad, including captain Harry Kane and Champions League-bound, Ollie Watkins.
We understand that Brentford regard Toney as one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and as such, they see him at a certain value and HITC understands that is £60m.
The 28-year-old has just one year left on his current deal – but Brentford insist they are happy for him to remain in West London if nobody comes forward with a reasonable offer.
Arsenal and Chelsea have both looked closely in the last 12 months, but have backed away more recently – but he does have other admirers, with the likes of Manchester United, Tottenham and West Ham all showing interest, although their value of the player is believed to be nearer £40m.
Ivan Toney on his future
The player himself has been talking about his future and moving on to bigger and better things, with the top clubs pushing for his signature.
Toney, ahead of Euro 2024 kicking off on Friday between hosts Germany and Steve Clarke’s Scotland, has told talkSPORT that he will be ‘ready’ if a move to a bigger team comes along, but his main focus is the Euros and then returning to pre-season with Brentford.
READ MORE: 50 most likely Premier League, EFL and European summer 2024 football transfers
“I am a Brentford player,” said Toney. “I have a year left, obviously going into a major tournament that’s my main focus now, but after this, I will be going back to Brentford and I will still be a Brentford player.
On being linked with the big clubs: “It’s nice to be linked with other clubs. I have had disappointment in the past and nothing is done, until it’s done. Like I said, I am still a Brentford player and I still have to be focused on that. Doing well for Brentford in the upcoming season, that’s the main thing.
On how ready he is for a big move: “If it comes, then I will be ready, regardless. Like I said, I have to remain focused and not let other things and noise get the best of me by focusing on what I need to be doing with my club.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
