Newcastle: Eddie Howe 'interested' in bringing £30m striker to St James' Park

Newcastle United are interested in Brentford striker Ivan Toney ahead of the upcoming summer transfer window, according to journalist Dean Jones.

The Magpies have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old in recent weeks as manager Eddie Howe looks to bolster his options in the final third of the pitch.

According to The Telegraph, Newcastle’s hierarchy have identified Toney as an alternative target to Benfica’s Darwin Nunez, who made it clear he was only interested in signing for a Champions League-level club.

Toney was previously on the North East outfit’s books between 2015 and 2018, yet he only made four senior appearances in that time.

Former Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez shipped the prolific forward out on loan to the likes of Scunthorpe United, Wigan Athletic and Barnsley before selling him to Peterborough for just £650,000.

Benitez insisted that Toney did not have what it takes to succeed at the highest level, but he has proven the Spaniard wrong by registering 14 goals and five assists in 33 appearances for Brentford this term.

His tally of 12 Premier League strikes makes the 5 foot 10 ace the joint-leading English scorer alongside Harry Kane this term and has previously been tipped to win a Premier League Golden Boot, highlighting why Newcastle are so keen to re-sign him.

The Telegraph claim that the Bees are set to demand upwards of £30 million for their prized asset, who is said to be keen to move to a bigger side.

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But Jones believes there is ‘better value to be had out there than that deal’ and that the St. James’ Park side have ‘got to be aware of financial fair play’.

He told GiveMeSport: “They’re interested in him. But