He is very expensive: Chelsea issued warning over Victor Osimhen alternative

Brentford manager Thomas Frank has warned Chelsea that they will have to pay a premium if they want to sign "expensive" Ivan Toney.

The England striker is widely expected to leave the Bees this summer, having expressed his desire to join a bigger club.

While Toney has previously spoken of his admiration for Liverpool and Arsenal, Chelsea are the most serious contenders for his signature.

Frank would "love" Toney to stay at Brentford for at least one more season, despite signing likely replacement Igor Thiago in a club-record £30million deal. However, he acknowledges that Toney's departure is a possibility.

"You never know," Frank told Sky Sports. "He's a Brentford player, and I would love him to stay. That would give me a very positive challenge. But I haven't met a coach who doesn't want as many good players as possible.

"Right now, Ivan is a Brentford player. I know he's enjoying his well-deserved time off after his time with England."

Chelsea views Toney as an alternative to Napoli's Victor Osimhen, who is considered too expensive and Frank is aware of their interest and determined to get a good deal for his star player.

"I would be more than happy if he stayed with us," Frank said. "He's a goalscorer, and that's very good to have in your team. So, if you want to buy him, it's expensive."