Brentford scare as star striker Ivan Toney demands release clause in new contract

Brentford scare as star striker Ivan Toney demands release clause in new contract

Brentford have been dealt an early scare as Ivan Toney has reportedly demanded a release clause for him to renew his contract with the West London outfit.

Despite being sidelined until January, Toney’s future with the club has become a subject of wide media speculation as his current deal is set to expire in 2025.

According to 90min, Toney is keen to leave Brentford in the upcoming transfer window with Arsenal and Chelsea among the big clubs interested in the 27-year-old.

Brentford had slapped a £80m asking price on their star man but this unsettling development will make them reconsider their end of the bargain given Toney was notably left “shocked” by the eye-watering price tag that had been thrown at him.

Nevertheless, the possibility is still there for the striker to sign a new contact at the G-tech Community Stadium with the view of both parties protecting their interests instead of allowing him to head into the final 12 months of his current deal.

Normally, players ask for a release clause to be inserted into any potential contract so that the clubs they presently play for do not become overly powerful in determining their exit plans.

It is understood that the former Newcastle man is open to the idea of a new deal that could also see him secure a substantial pay rise.

Toney isn’t due to return to the pitch until mid-January following his ban for breaching the FA’s betting rules more than 200 times.

Meanwhile, manager Thomas Frank will be hoping to keep hold of his star man and has previously pledged his support for the striker to overcome his gambling addiction.