Frank: New signings ‘definitely’ on the way

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Thomas Frank has refused to confirm the arrival of Kristoffer Ajer at Brentford – but promised there will be new signings ahead of the Premier League season.

Celtic defender Ajer is set for a £13.5m move to the promoted Bees.


Speaking after his team’s pre-season friendly at AFC Wimbledon, Frank said when asked about Ajer: “I can update you in that we haven’t signed any players yet, but we are getting close.

“We don’t have a specific number to sign and we don’t want to sign players for the sake of it as we are very pleased with our squad. There will be new faces, though, definitely.”

Head coach Frank also reiterated that the club are determined to keep Ivan Toney.

Brentford’s promotion to the top flight has not stopped speculation about their star striker, who has four years remaining on his contract.

Frank said: “I can understand how there is very big interest in him. But he is a Brentford player and we have a long contract with him.

“All of the players are fully committed to doing as well as they can in the Premier League and Ivan is very determined to lift the team going forward.”

Meanwhile, Frank suggested an injury Vitaly Janelt limped off with after 13 minutes of the 1-0 win at Plough Lane is not a cause for alarm – and described Shandon Baptiste’s return to action after 10 months out as “the big positive from today.”

Frank added: “He (Baptiste) is a very good player and he has great potential here. The hope is that he can stay fit.”