Brentford ready to slash Ivan Toney’s asking price by more than £30m with just two clubs left in transfer race

BRENTFORD are ready to slash their asking price for Ivan Toney to less than £50million due to a lack of interest.

Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all made it clear to Brentford that they have no plans to bid for in the England striker.

That leaves Tottenham and West Ham as his most likely suitors.

Brentford had hoped to create an auction for Toney after he returned from an eight-month gambling ban in January and initially invited bids in excess of £80m.

But there were no offers Toney during the winter transfer window and the club have been surprised at the lack interest this summer.

Arsenal are not prioritising signing a striker this summer, Chelsea think Toney is too old and United have signed £36.5m Holland striker Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna.

Brentford’s position is complicated by the fact that they have been planning for Toney’s departure for over a year and have already signed his replacement.

Brentford broke their transfer record to pay Club Brugge £31m for Brazilian striker Igor Thiago in February, and manager Thomas Frank will struggle to accomodate both players in his first-team plans.

Toney is keen to leave Brentford this summer but has repeatedly spoken of his desire to join a “top club that wins trophies.”

The 28-year-old could opt to see out the final year of his contract at Brentford in the hope of joining a big club on a free transfer next summer, although such a move may create tension with his employers.

Brentford stood by Toney during his FA ban placing over 200 bets on football, but their relationship is not straightforward.

The former Newcastle and Peterborough striker initially denied placing any bets before changing his story and pleading guilty at an FA hearing, a U-turn which caused problems for the club.

Any Tottenham bid for Toney would depend on them selling Brazilian international Richarlison.

But they are also interested in Lille striker Jonathan David, who is available for £25m.

West Ham have also inquired about Canada ace David.

Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk