Ivan Toney scores again in behind-closed-doors friendly as £80m Chelsea and Arsenal transfer target prepares for return
IVAN TONEY was on target for Brentford in a behind-closed-doors friendly.
It was the Englishman’s third appearance since he was allowed to resume training after breaching FA betting rules.
Brentford faced off against Watford with a number of first-team stars featuring as team-mates jetted off around the world for the international break.
The Hornets triumphed over the Bees during the match at Brentford’s Jersey Road training ground.
That is despite Ben Mee, Zanka, Vitaly Janelt, Neal Maupay and Toney all playing in the match.
Keane Lewis-Potter, Shandon Baptiste, Charlie Goode and Myles Peart-Harris also started the clash.
Maupay, who re-joined Thomas Frank‘s side in the summer, was also on target with Toney.
Toney, 27, scored his goal from the penalty spot before laying on Maupay for his effort.
Brentford B star Ethan Brierley found a goal of his own following a dangerous cross from Tony Yogane.
David Beckham‘s son Romeo came on in the second half too and created a number of dangerous chances from the right wing.
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Toney, who is able to return to competitive football in January, has been heavily linked with a transfer to London superpowers Arsenal and Chelsea.
Reports suggest Brentford could ask for as much as £100million to sell their man in January, though a lower fee of £80m has also been reported.
That being said, SunSport understands that Toney is torn over a January move because he wants to repay his debt to the West London club who have stuck by him.
A source said: “A lot of people assume Ivan will be on his way after Christmas, but no deal has been done – and nothing has been decided.
“Ivan is torn over his future. Brentford have stood by him and the club have been brilliant.
“Part of him wants to help them by hitting the ground running straight away in January and scoring the goals which will ensure they stay in the Premier League.
“There are a lot of clubs interested in Ivan but his focus, for now, is getting back on the pitch at Brentford and doing the business for his manager Thomas Frank, to whom he feels he has a big debt to repay.
“The same goes for the fans.
“He’s determined to get back in the England squad and Ivan fully believes in himself to make the first squad once he’s back playing football.”
SunSport also revealed yesterday that Brentford are lining up a replacement in Argentinian teen Santiago Castro.