By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

6th Oct, 2023 | 7:00am

Sources: Brentford plan to block Ivan Toney joining rivals in January

Brentford are determined to keep hold of talisman Ivan Toney past the January window, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed the Bees want to keep Toney, 27, until next summer at least amid fears of a potential relegation battle for Thomas Frank’s side.

The England international is training again with the London outfit after a gambling suspension but cannot return to the starting lineup until 17 January.

But the hitman is expected to be the subject of bids from a number of Brentford’s rivals in the capital.

Football Insider revealed on Wednesday (4 October) that Tottenham and Chelsea are among the sides keeping tabs on his situation.

Arsenal have been widely linked with Toney, but Newcastle are not believed to be in the running for his signature.

Football Insider revealed on Monday (2 October) that Newcastle will pursue a younger striker signing in the January window, with club chiefs keen to add someone capable of learning under Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson.

A well-placed source has revealed that Brentford will ask for close to £100million for Toney in January as speculation over his future ramps up.

It is believed a move could be much more likely in the summer of 2024 when he will have just 12 months remaining on his contract.

One saving grace for Thomas Frank’s side could be Toney‘s lack of football in the 2023-24 campaign – which could put off potential suitors.

The ex-Peterborough forward managed 21 goals and five assists in 35 games across all competitions last season – including a best-ever return of 20 strikes in the Premier League.

Brentford are struggling for form in the absence of Toney, and sit 14th in the table with seven points after seven games.

In other news, Brentford turn attention to signing defender after critical development.