Brentford star Ivan Toney failed secret Wolves medical due to back condition - told he wouldn’t walk at 28

Brentford striker Ivan Toney has admitted he was on the verge of becoming a Wolves player before the medical team at Molineux uncovered a serious injury worry.

The talisman, whose 20 Premier League goals last season was only 11 fewer than Wolves managed as a whole team, had practically joined the club in 2015 before the deal fell through.

Toney had been given a shirt number and toured the training ground meeting colleagues before a last-minute call came in from the club's medical staff.

The Brentford man joined Steven Bartlett on The Diary of a CEO podcast to tell all about his eight-month betting ban and his journey to the top of the footballing world.

Speaking about almost joining Wolves, Toney said: "Actually, before I was going to Newcastle I was supposed to go to Wolves. I got there, met everybody in the changing room, got my number on, took the pictures.

"They come to the contract side and then I think there was a bit of talk with my agent and the club on certain things and it related back to us and it all just confused me and my family.

"We didn't know what was going on and then out of nowhere the club come out and said we're not looking to sign you no more due to you having scoliosis in your back.

"We were so confused from getting the squad number, meeting all the players and staff and then for them to come out and say you've got scoliosis in your back we're not looking to sign you... it was like, is that really the reason? Is there more behind it?"

Instead of moving to Wolves, Toney was sent back to Northampton Town and eventually Newcastle United came calling for the teenager’s services.

Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side and most people who live with the condition are able to partake in activities including sport and exercise. In some instances, the condition can bring about more serious worries.

Toney, who won't step foot on a pitch until January as he serves his ban for committing 232 breaches of the FA betting rules, shared that he had been given reason for serious concern by health professionals previously - although the condition had never affected his playing ability.

Toney said: "We did see a specialist who said I'd be lucky to be walking at 28 still. It doesn't really register. At the time I'm 18 and thinking I'm fine now and enjoying football now.

"Being 27, closer to 28, you think, I'm strong, fit and healthy, touch-wood I can continue as this."