Thomas Frank has questioned reports that claimed Brentford’s star striker Ivan Toney may be available for as little as £30million.
The England international had to wait until January to play this season while he served an eight-month ban for breaches of betting regulations.
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He has made up for lost time with four goals in 13 appearances for the Bees and one on his second England appearance against Belgium last month.
The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of next season with Brentford expected to cash in this summer rather than lose the player for nothing.
Frank has spoken previously of Toney being worth as much as £100m and was surprised this week to see a significantly reduced amount being touted in the newspapers.
He said: “Normally I don’t go into these price labels but I would say that is very cheap for a 20-goal striker in the Premier League.”
Frank will be hoping Toney is firing on all cylinders tomorrow when Brentford play host to Sheffield United. Having started last weekend’s 3-3 draw at Aston Villa on the bench due to a minor hip injury, Toney is expected to return to lead the line.
Brentford will also have Germany international Kevin Schade back following a seven-month injury lay-off and defender Ethan Pinnock, although both will likely start on the bench.
Christian Norgaard is unlikely to be fit and Aaron Hickey is set to miss the rest of the season.
Frank added: “The good news is [Kevin] Schade is available and will make the squad. Ethan Pinnock is available and will make the squad.
“Norgaard is progressing fine and on the grass. It’s looking promising for next week. Hickey I think I saw him run out on the grass today. I don’t expect him to be available before the end of the season so it’s a big positive if he is.”
Frank’s men have gone nine Premier League games without a win and have slipped to 15th in the table, four points above the relegation zone.
