Ivan Toney: Why Brentford left striker out of squad to face Crystal Palace amid transfer speculation

Ivan Toney was left out of Brentford ’s Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Sunday due to the transfer interest in the England striker.

The likes of Saudi Pro League side Al Ahli are hoping to sign Toney this summer, and Brentford took the decision not to include him in the squad due to the speculation surrounding his future .

Standard Sport understands Toney wanted to play against Palace but was told within 24 hours of the game that he wouldn’t be involved.

Thomas Frank was expecting bids for Toney this summer has admitted he is surprised none of England’s top clubs have come in for him, but there are offers on the table from abroad — as well as distanced interest from English clubs.

In Toney’s absence, Brentford’s starting line-up featured a front three of Bryan Mbeumo, Kevin Schade and Yoane Wissa .

Speaking ahead of the match, Frank said: “There's some transfer interest and because of all that we decided not to involve him today.

“Ivan is a top player; he's been fantastic for us over four years but we also showed, last year especially, that we can win without him.”

Toney came off the bench against Slovakia, Switzerland and Spain en route to the final of Euro 2024 with England this summer.

He had been back in Brentford training for two weeks ahead of Sunday’s opener.

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