ENGLAND hitman Ivan Toney is torn over a January move, SunSport can reveal.
The Brentford ace will return to action after Christmas and is widely tipped to leave the West London club.
Arsenal are thought to be at the front of the queue for his services.
But a source close to the player said Toney – banned for gambling offences – feels he has a “debt to repay” to Brenford and to the club’s manager Thomas Frank which means any move could be held off until the summer.
The source said: “A lot of people assume Ivan will be on his way after Christmas, but no deal has been done – and nothing has been decided.
“Ivan is torn over his future. Brentford have stood by him and the club have been brilliant. Part of him wants to help them by hitting the ground running straight away in January and scoring the goals which will ensure they stay in the Premier League.
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“There are a lot of clubs interested in Ivan but his focus, for now, is getting back on the pitch at Brentford and doing the business for his manager Thomas Frank, to whom he feels he has a big debt to repay. The same goes for the fans.
“He’s determined to get back in the England squad and Ivan fully believes in himself to make the first squad once he’s back playing football.”
The source also said Brentford are under no pressure to sell their ace striker.
“They don’t need the money,” the source said. “Toney is their player and they will only consider selling him if the offer is right for the club.
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“As far as the manager is concerned he is planning for his return in January. Ivan will come back in and be a key member of the team.
“Thomas Frank realises nothing lasts forever and that his star man will probably move on one day.
“But he hopes to have Ivan until the end of the season at least – then they will reassess.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
