Arsenal & Chelsea transfer target Ivan Toney reveals why watching 2022 Qatar World Cup was 'painful'

The Bees forward missed the 2022 World Cup with England, with the allegations of his betting coming to light just before the Three Lions' squad announcement for the tournament. The 27-year-old eventually received an eight-month ban last May but the former Peterborough United star said the timing of the news about his betting rule breaches were "spiteful". Now, he has spoken about how difficult it was to watch the competition, knowing he could have played in it if picked.

He told Sky Sports: "I did watch a bit [of the World Cup] but that was even more painful watching knowing I could have been involved in that but listen, what's done is done. I can't change nothing, yes it was painful but life is painful sometimes. You have just got to fly by it and concentrate on what is in front rather than what is behind."

Toney will be one of the most talked about players during this January transfer window. Brentford have reportedly slapped a £100 million price tag on his head to fend off interest from Arsenal and Chelsea. Moreover, he is set to return to first-team football for the first time in eight months when the Bees host Nottingham Forest on January 20. But whether he remains at the club remains to be seen.

Toney's ban runs until January 17, meaning he will miss Brentford's FA Cup third round replay away to Wolves on January 15. He could feature against Forest for Thomas Frank's side but if a huge offer comes in for him this month, he may be at a new club in February.