'I have a lot to repay' - Brentford hitman Ivan Toney dampens rumours of January exit amid Arsenal & Chelsea transfer interest as he prepares to make comeback from eight-month betting ban

The forward is set to return from his eight-month betting ban imminently. Ahead of his comeback, Toney sat down has discussed how the Bees helped him throughout his ban. Some of the sought-after striker's comments also suggested that he has no plans to leave the club this winter.

Talking to Sky Sports, Toney said: "Thomas Frank has been nothing but the biggest help I could have asked for, the whole club have. From putting on extra sessions on for me, from taking their time out to put a session on, go outside when it's raining when I'm not even supposed to be in these kinds of things. I have a lot to repay them and I can't wait to try and do that.

"Everybody has been supportive. I feel like, especially the club they were right behind me from the first bit and the fans were behind me as well, which was a massive part. Even when I wasn't at their games, they were singing my name. And I got loads of messages on social media. A friend of mine sent me a video of the fans singing my name, I got goosebumps to know that they're still behind me, even though I'm not there.

"Everyone knows Brentford is a family club, they have been nothing but amazing for me. I can't thank them enough, especially the fans. They were behind me from the first minute as well. So it's kind of like I have a lot to repay."

The England international is sure he can fire Brentford to safety with his goals and keep them from being relegated in the second half of the season. Toney will return with Brentford in 16th place, four points above the relegation zone and on a run of one win in nine matches in all competitions.

Aside from Yoane Wissa, who is currently representing DR Congo in the Africa Cup of Nations, Brentford also have long-term injuries to attackers Bryan Mbeumo and Kevin Schade.

Toney will likely return to action when Brentford take on Nottingham Forest in the Premier League on January 20. As for his potential move away from the Bees, it now seems unlikely that he will leave this winter.