Arsenal and Chelsea are allegedly among the clubs that have been handed a boost regarding the potential signing of Brentford forward Ivan Toney.
Even when the England international was serving an eight-month ban for breaching the FA's betting regulations, he was being linked with an exit from the Bees.
That is a consequence of his contract being due to expire in 2025 and the likelihood being that a renewal will not be penned.
Toney had contributed 32 goals and nine assists during his 66 Premier League appearances across the previous two campaigns, making him an obvious target for many different clubs.
However, it has consistently been claimed - in both the media and by head coach Thomas Frank - that the 28-year-old's valuation would remain substantially high despite the contractual situation.
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With Toney having recently impressed for England in a friendly against Belgium, it would be plausible if that remains the case, despite his recent form for Brentford not being as productive as expected.
From 1,089 minutes of top-flight football since his return, Toney has contributed just four goals and one assist from 13 appearances, far below what he has produced since 2022.
What figure could Brentford consider for Ivan Toney?
According to Sky Sport Deutschland journalist Florian Plettenberg, Brentford would give consideration to selling their star man for between £30m and £40m.
That is considerably lower than numbers in excess of £70m that have been suggested over a number of months, but could be deemed far more realistic given the situation.
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What clubs could make approach?
Arsenal and Chelsea have been most frequently linked with a move for Toney at a time when they are in a market for a new central-forward.
Nevertheless, both teams have certain issues with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability Rules and the previous asking price may have been out of their reach.
If the altered stance from Brentford is correct, the two London clubs could reignite their interest, rather than search for better value for money elsewhere.
Plettenberg adds that West Ham United have also enquired about Toney's situation, while suggesting there is no solid intention to make a formal bid at this stage.
Manchester United have also been credited with an interest this season and may view Toney as ideal competition for the younger Rasmus Hojlund.
Darren Plant
