Brentford head coach Thomas Frank has said that he was always confident of keeping hold of Ivan Toney beyond the end of the January transfer window.
Arsenal and Chelsea were both heavily linked with the Englishman in the early stages of the market, as he prepared to make his return to action following a lengthy absence due to a betting suspension.
However, Frank said on a number of occasions that the forward would only be allowed to depart the Bees during the winter window if an astronomical offer arrived.
Toney has been in impressive form for Brentford since his return to action, scoring twice in his two appearances against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur.
Frank said that he was "happy" to keep hold of the 27-year-old for the second half of the campaign but said that he was never concerned about a possible departure.
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"Happy? Yes, but I was pretty sure as I said from the beginning that Ivan will stay with us so I was not worried about that. In general, it is nice to know what you are working with so in that situation, yes (I am happy)," he told reporters.
The 27-year-old scored 20 Premier League goals for Brentford last season, and he is expected to be on the move during this summer's transfer window.
Toney only has a contract with the Bees until June 2025, and he is not likely to sign an extension, with the forward preparing to make the next step in his career.
"Yes, I think with any player we have a contract in general so at the end of the day we decide if they leave or not," Frank added when questioned on the striker.
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"Of course money talks and we also know that we are a 'selling' club as you could call it – we know that is part of the strategy.
"We want to have young, talented players in, develop them and make them better. Be on a journey with us, improve and hopefully do some fantastic stuff in the league and maybe one day win something.
"But at the end of the day, after some years if they are good enough they will progress to the next level."
Toney made the move to Brentford from Peterborough United in 2020, and he has represented his current side on 126 occasions, scoring 70 goals and providing 21 assists in the process.
As well as Arsenal and Chelsea, Manchester United are believed to be keeping a close eye on his situation, with the Red Devils expected to be in the market for an elite striker during this summer's transfer window.
Matt Law
