Why Thomas Frank reveals reason for Ivan Toney's absence from Brentford's match against Crystal Palace

Thomas Frank has confirmed that Ivan Toney will not be playing in Brentford's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace, citing transfer speculation as the reason. The striker has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli.

Toney is out of contract in 12 months’ time and the 28-year-old forward – who had been expected to start at the Gtech Community Stadium – has made no secret of his ambitions to play for a ‘top club’ in the future.

The likes of Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester United have all been credited with an interest in recent months but it’s understood Brentford’s £60million asking price has put Premier League rivals teams off a potential move.

However, Al-Ahli would have no problem meeting the Bees’ valuation of Toney, who is reportedly demanding a salary in excess of £17million to consider a switch to Saudi Arabia.

Eyebrows were raised as Brentford announced their starting XI for the first match of today’s double-header and Frank was pressed on Toney’s surprise omission in his pre-match interview with .

‘There’s a lot of things going on with Iva, especially with transfers,’ the Brentford manager explained.

‘There’s a lot of transfer interest and because of that we decided he would not be in the squad.’

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Frank admits Toney’s absence comes as a ‘blow’ to Brentford but is confident the club can survive without the England international, just as they did for the first half of last season.

‘Of course [its’a  blow]. He’s a top player and has been fantastic for us,’ he added.

‘But we showed last year that we can deal without him.’

Asked whether Brentford fans may have seen the last of Toney, Frank replied: ‘Who knows. There is interest but it is not close.’

Toney was slapped with an eight-month ban in May 2023 after he was found guilty of 232 breaches of the FA’s betting rules.

It meant Brentford were without Toney until late January and the attacker ended the season with four goals in 17 appearances in the English top flight.

Despite that underwhelming return, Gareth Southgate selected Toney in his squad for England’s Euro 2024 campaign and the Brentford man played a key role coming off the bench for the Three Lions in Germany.