Brentford open contract talks with Ivan Toney despite 8-month ban as they ‘identify £25m striker replacement’
BRENTFORD are planning to launch contract talks with Ivan Toney despite his eight-month ban, according to reports.
The England striker was banned until January by the FA after being found guilty of breaching gambling rules.
Toney, 27, has two years remaining on his £20,000-a-week contract at the Gtech.
Bees chiefs had been growing resigned to losing their star man, who has gathered interest from the likes of Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham.
But the Mail claim that Brentford could look to show their support for Toney amid his ban by handing him a new deal.
Club bosses believe that they are unlikely to receive their £50m asking price this summer, given his suspension.
They could seek to hand Toney a pay rise, albeit less than the £150k a week he could receive elsewhere.
In return the Bees could grant their star man a favourable release clause, protecting his value in the process.
Toney has been in red-hot form this season, bagging 20 Premier League goals.
Thomas Frank’s side go into their final two matches still possessing an outside chance of European qualification, albeit with Toney set to miss both.
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Brentford could theoretically terminate Toney’s current deal for breach of contract, saving them £640,000 in wages in the short term.
They will not consider this option, however, given the millions in transfer value they would lose out on.
Despite their support for Toney, Brentford are mulling over striker transfer options.
According to talkSPORT, the Bees are after Coventry ace Viktor Gyokeres.
The Sky Blues are set to demand at least £25m for their star striker, irrespective of whether they are promoted to the Premier League.
Mark Robins’ men will take on Luton in the Championship play-off final next week.