BRENTFORD are open to keeping Ivan Toney this summer – after his replacement, Igor Thiago, was ruled out with a knee injury until around Christmas.
Thiago, 23, joined the Bees for a club record £30million from Club Bruges in June with the view to succeeding wantaway Toney.
But the Brazilian damaged his meniscus in the Bee’s month’s 5-2 pre-season win against AFC Wimbledon and the club are not expecting him back until around the festive period.
The hammer blow could complicate plans to sell Toney, who has less than a year left on his contract.
Brentford were planning on flogging the England forward, 28, this summer to avoid losing him on a free next June.
They were even open to dropping their £60m price tag when no offers materialised.
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Despite the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham and Chelsea all monitoring Toney’s progress.
The prospect of selling him on the cheap now looks far less likely though due to Thiago’s serious injury – though Toney could still be sold if a bid is received that is judged a fair price.
But SunSport understands the club see more value in keeping the Three Lions ace now than prior to Thiago’s injury.
That’s as having no recognised centre-forward for the first half of the season would risk a relegation battle.
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Were Toney to leave and another new striker be sought, SunSport understands a return for Neal Maupay, who spent last term on loan from Everton, is highly unlikely.
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Toney played 17 league games for Brentford last season due to the suspension he received for breaching FA betting rules.
The England international scored four goals and provided two assists.
Toney made three appearances for England at Euro 2024, in which he scored a crucial penalty in the Three Lions’ quarter-final shootout victory over Switzerland.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
