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Frank: No set price for Toney

Brentford have not setting an asking price for striker Ivan Toney this summer, as the big Premier League clubs begin to circle.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank with Ivan Toney
Brentford manager Thomas Frank with Ivan Toney Picture: AAP Image

The England forward, who returned from a long-term suspension in January, has been linked with a move away from the Gtech Community Stadium since his 20-goal return in the Premier League last year.

Frank highlighted the injured Toney's quality and that there is no set fee for his services come the start of the transfer window.

Speaking ahead of Brentford's clash with Everton on Saturday, Frank said: "You should ask Phil (Giles, director of football) and Matthew (Benham, owner) about that because they will be even better to answer that question.

"I'm pretty sure the answer will be that there is no price.

"I think it's all about the narrative. If you can score five goals in five then suddenly your price is through the roof. If a striker performs consistently over time then there is a good price.

"I know Ivan is a good player and he's proven that many times. Last season he was fantastic, he made his full England debut and I think he's a very good player."

Toney was absent from Brentford's recent 5-1 victory over Luton at Kenilworth Road and Frank said the win "potentially" showed what life would be like without the striker if he were to move away from west London in the future.

When asked if his starting XI resembled a "post-Ivan Toney Brentford" Frank added, "Yes, potentially.

"Let's see what's happening with Ivan, he's a Brentford player but I think it is important to see the quality we have in the squad."

Saturday's opponents Everton are fresh from a 2-0 victory over Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, Jarrad Branthwaite scoring after a free-kick was not fully cleared and Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading in from a corner.

Frank acknowledged the Toffees' set-piece quality ahead of his side's trip to Goodison Park.

"I thought they were very impressive," he said.

"They have been consistently good throughout the season and can make it difficult for teams. They are such a threat from set-pieces, crosses, on the counters. They play with great intensity and it will be difficult.

"Every game there are set-pieces and if you can win that battle then you are one step ahead. Everton are very good at that in both boxes but I think we're good at it as well.

"Sean (Dyche) is a great person, he's very experienced in the Premier League and he's clearly influenced the Everton team in some challenging moments this season and last season."

 


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