Brentford boss Thomas Frank clears up Ivan Toney transfer admission amid Man Utd links

Thomas Frank wants to keep hold of Ivan Toney forever but understands the 'reality' of his contract situation and interest from top clubs including Manchester United.

Toney will enter the final 12 months of his deal at Brentford this summer with speculation intensifying over his future. United are among several top Premier League clubs to hold a long-term interest in the striker, but any move will face competition from the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea.

Earlier this week, Frank gave an interview in Danish with Tipsbladet which, when translated to English, suggested he was prepared to see Toney move on in the summer. But while the Brentford boss is aware of interest he is not ruling out keeping his talisman.

"You always have to be aware of translation. Google translate is not always the best," Frank joked in his Thursday press conference. "It's the same message I said the whole time. I would love him to stay forever, but the reality is he has one year left on his contract in the summer.

"I think he's been pretty open about maybe playing for a top club in the future, so I think there are a couple of scenarios; he leaves in the summer, leaves in the winter or he stays. If he leaves whenever it will be fantastic to see him playing for a top club."

United were among several teams linked with a move for Toney last summer but interest was put on hold amid an imminent suspension for admitting 232 breaches of the FA's betting rules. The 27-year-old was banned for eight months but returned in January and has since scored twice in three appearances.

Erik ten Hag will be in the market for a new No.9 this summer, with Anthony Martial set to leave as a free agent once his contract expires. That will leave only Rasmus Hojlund as a natural option and any new arrival will need to bring experience, in a bid to aid the 20-year-old's development.

United have continued to struggle in front of goal this season but seven in their last two has eased some immediate concerns. Hojlund now has four in as many games while Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford are also enjoying a decent spell of form.