Ivan Toney has reportedly been pictured 'training at Brentford's performance centre in August' while he was still banned from football, after the club 'struck a secret deal with the Football Assosication'.
The 27-year-old was banned from all football activity for eight months on May 17 after the striker pleaded guilty to 232 of the 262 betting charges brought against him by the FA last year.
Toney had been expected to return to training next week after a four-month absence.
The England forward, who made his debut for Gareth Southgate's side earlier this year is expected to be able to play for the club again on January 16 2024, with Mail Sport reporting that Toney had been expected to return to training next week after a four-month absence.