Newcastle United have reportedly identified Brentford forward Ivan Toney as a potential transfer target for next year.
Since the takeover of the Public Investment Fund, the Magpies have earned a top-four finish in the Premier League, leading to Champions League qualification.
Eddie Howe is also not short of attacking flair in the final third, having former club-record signing Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson at his disposal.
Such has been the impact made by Isak that Wilson - an England international with 40 goals in 86 appearances for Newcastle - has been a regular on the substitutes' bench during 2023-24.
That may change in due course with Isak capable of being deployed on the flank, yet Newcastle do not appear in any need to add another striker to their ranks.
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Nevertheless, according to FootballTransfers, the powers-that-be at St James' Park are plotting whether to make an approach for Toney.
The England international is no stranger to the North East having spent between 2015 and 2018 contracted to Newcastle, making just four appearances during that time.
However, his time spent out on loan at EFL clubs contributed to his breakout campaigns at Peterborough United before his switch to Brentford in 2020.
Toney has since enjoyed a legendary stint at the West Londoners, contributing 68 goals and 21 assists from 124 appearances to take the Bees from the Championship to establishing them as a mid-table Premier League side.
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Whether their relationship continues in the long term remains to be seen, with Toney having less than two years remaining on his contract and currently serving a ban for breaching betting regulations that does not expire until January.
The report claims that Newcastle are one of several clubs who have held talks with the 27-year-old, who seemingly has little intention of extending his deal at Brentford.
Chelsea have also been credited as admirers of Toney and are expected to make an effort to keep the player in the capital at the turn of the year.
In the past, it has been claimed that Brentford will look to recoup in the region of £80m from Toney, although whether that remains realistic after such a prolonged spell of inactivity is unclear.
Darren Plant
