Ivan Toney could still get a dream big money move - even before his eight month ban ends.
Premier League big guns are watching developments with interest as Brentford were bracing themselves for transfer bids this summer - and they could still come in ahead of the January window.
Toney, 27, has been banned and fined £50,000 after admitting 232 breaches of strict Football Association rules on players placing bets. Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United are all admirers of the Brentford striker who has scored 20 goals in 33 games this season.
Toney, who is about to enter the final two years of his contract, has become a hot property and the fact he cannot play until January may not deter clubs.
They may even consider making offers before the January window to try and sign him up ahead of rival clubs. He can play again from January 16 but will be able to train with his club again from September.
Brentford know Toney’s contract is running down and may have been tempted to sell this summer but this ban has not killed his chances of a move.
However, clubs are likely to wait until after it is known whether the Football Association or Toney himself will appeal the length of the eight-month ban dished out by the independent panel.
But that will only become clear once the written reasons are published which will reveal the nature of the bets. Toney is understood to have denied placing any bets against his team.
The FA will, however, apply to FIFA to make the eight-month ban worldwide which would stop Toney from going on loan or moving abroad.
Toney reacted to Wednesday's news via an Instagram story. He wrote: "Today I have received notification of my 8-month ban from football following a hearing before an FA Regulatory Commission that took place yesterday. I am naturally disappointed that I will be unable to play for the next 8 months.
"The written reasons for the Commission's decision have not yet been published, so I make no further comment at this point other than to thank my family and friends, Brentford FC and our fans for their continued support, through what has been a very difficult time. I now focus on returning to play the game I love next season."
