Brentford eyeing up January transfer for striker as replacement if Ivan Toney hit with ban after FA betting charges

BRENTFORD are lining up a striker swoop in the January transfer window, reports claim.

The Bees are thought to be exploring their options in case Ivan Toney is handed a lengthy ban.

Toney, 27, was originally charged by the FA with 232 alleged breaches of betting rules in November, followed by a further 30 alleged breaches earlier this week.

Brentford are scouring the market for strikers in January in case Toney is banned, according to .

However, options midway through the season for an immediate replacement are thought to be limited.

The Bees are reportedly targeting a player with proven Premier League experience to come and score goals straight away.

Sky say a loan move could also be an option.

Director of football Phil Giles and technical director Lee Dykes are said to be working on potential targets ahead of the window opening.

Other than Toney, boss Thomas Frank also has Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Keane Lewis-Potter as attacking options, although none of them are out and out strikers.

Toney has scored 10 goals in 14 Prem games this season.

He is cooperating with the FA's investigation and is required to respond to the latest charges by January 4th.

Brentford return to Prem action against Tottenham on Boxing Day.

The Bees then travel to West Ham four days later, before kicking off 2023 with a home tie with Liverpool.

Frank's side are currently 10th in the table after Toney scored twice in a stunning 2-1 win at Manchester City in the final game before the World Cup.