Ivan Toney’s shock absence from Brentford’s first starting XI of the new Premier League campaign is transfer related, manager Thomas Frank has confirmed, amid suggestions of Manchester United interest.

Erik ten Hag arrived into the new Premier League light of options up front despite efforts to rectify the situation over the summer. Joshua Zirkzee – who scored United’s late winner in Friday’s opener against Fulham – is the club’s only pick for the position now with Rasmus Hojlund set to miss the first weeks of the season.

This has reportedly directed Dan Ashworth and Co towards the recruitment of another striker, with Toney’s name coming back into the fold following long-standing rumours.

“There’s a lot of things going on with Ivan, there’s some transfer interest. Because of all that, we decided not to involve him in the squad,” his manager Frank told Sky Sports of his decision to leave out the England international for Sunday’s match against Crystal Palace.

“It’s the classic one – I couldn’t give too much the day before. He’s been a fantastic player for us, but we showed last year especially that we can deal without him.”

When asked if this is the end of Ivan Toney in a Brentford shirt, he admitted: “Who knows? There’s interest, but there’s nothing close.”

The 28-year-old scored 20 goals in 33 appearances during the 2022/23 season, resulting in speculation over a transfer to one of the big six. He now has one year remaining on his contract in West London, with the Bees allegedly remaining steadfast over their £60m price tag.

As well as United, both Arsenal and Chelsea have been linked to Toney. A switch to Saudi Arabia is also said to be on the cards for the forward, with Fabrizio Romano claiming Al-Ahli have added him to their shortlist this month.