Lampard reveals Chelsea came close to signing Haaland
Brentford will offer star man Ivan Toney a new contract to tie down their striker to a long-term deal, despite the England striker being slapped with an eight-month ban by the FA. Toney accepted breaking the association’s betting rules with 232 breaches between February 2017 and January 21, prompting the FA to suspend him until next year.
The 27-year-old is unable to play again until January 17, 2024, but after 20 Premier League goals in 33 appearances this season there has been interest in his services from Brentford’s rivals.
Chelsea were said to be one of those potential suitors as they are hoping to pair incoming boss Mauricio Pochettino with a new number nine, but the Bees will hope that a new contract for Toney and his eight-month ban will be enough to deter Todd Boehly’s outfit.
Brentford value Toney at £100million and as they are resigned to losing goalkeeper David Raya, hope to keep their striker as boss Thomas Frank outlined that discussions are “ongoing” with players that have two years left on their deals - Toney’s contract expires in 2025.
Ivan Toney is suspended until January 2024. (Image: Getty)
"His future is with Brentford, there’s no doubt about that," Frank said. "It's an ongoing talk with all of our players when they hit that mark of around two years left. Do we want to let the contract run out or do we want to extend it? Ivan is in the bracket of players we want to keep. He is a top player and that is something we need to consider."
Frank also felt that football needs to address its relationship with gambling, though admitted that any decision would be tough at a time when several Premier League teams have their own betting partners and Brentford owner Matthew Benham made his fortune from the sector.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"There is an issue we need to address but where is the perfect balance?" he said. "Can football just say 'no' and have no relationship with any betting companies? I don't know."
Frank was unaware of the stipulations to the ban as Toney was banned from “all football and football-related activity”, though is permitted to return to training from September 17. "We are waiting for the information, so we know what we can do," Frank said as the club await the independent Regulatory Commission’s written reasons for the ban.
"Can we approach him, what is allowed to do in the first four months? One thing is for sure, we'll do everything we can to be there for him, support him, beware of his mental health. He’s made some mistakes, but we need to be there and want to be there for him and help him."