Manager Thomas Frank has emphasized that Ivan Toney will not be leaving Brentford during the January transfer window.
Long-term suitors of Toney, who will be free to play against Nottingham Forest on January 20 after serving an eight-month betting ban, include Arsenal and Chelsea.
The England striker is wanted by Brentford for between £80 million and £100 million, but no formal bids have been received as of yet.
Before playing Wolves in the FA Cup third round on Friday night, the Bees had lost seven of their previous eight games.
Their need to hold onto Toney for the remainder of the season is increased by their dismal play, a number of injury absences, and players’ involvement in the Asia Cup and Africa Cup of Nations.
Frank said, “The very short answer is yes,” in response to the question of whether Toney would remain at Brentford this month. He is here; he plays for Brentford. We obviously lack a few offensive players, so I don’t see why we would sell him, even though I would prefer to keep him around for a little while longer.
“It’s not for me to say yes or no; that’s Phil [Giles, director of football] or Matthew [Benham, owner] if I ever, ever could recommend [his sale], and it needs to be for an unbelievable price.” He will thus remain here.
Frank first stated last month, in an exclusive interview with Standard Sport, that he anticipated the Bees to hold onto Toney past the January window.
Transfer battle: Ivan Toney, a striker for Brentford, is wanted by both Chelsea and Arsenal.
Yunus Emre Konak, a midfielder for Sivasspor, is expected to sign with Brentford next week, marking the team’s first acquisition of the month.
The teenager’s brother had already publicly wished him luck on the move, and on Thursday night, he was in Istanbul getting ready to fly to England for his medical.
It is probable that he will initially join the Brentford B team, where players like Yehor Yarmolyuk trained before being promoted to the first team.
Josh Dasilva, a midfielder, can play on Friday night after being sidelined by a hamstring injury sustained against Fulham in August.
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