Brentford to exploit Newcastle after £30m Ivan Toney reveal – pundit
Brentford will “look to take advantage” of cash-rich Newcastle this summer if they decide to swoop for star striker Ivan Toney.
That is according to former Sunderland striker Kevin Phillips, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider about a potential move to Tyneside for the 26-year-old.
A recruitment source has told Football Insider (20 April) that Newcastle and Brighton are among the clubs keeping close tabs on Toney.
It is understood that either side will have to pay a huge fee to prise the striker away from Brentford, who will let it be known that it will take £30million to bring them to the negotiating table.
But Phillips insisted that price tag will “creep up” to a “significantly higher” fee if a deal materialises.
“That price will probably end up creeping up more and more as the summer goes on,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“£30million is not a lot in today’s market. If Newcastle were to come in, I’m sure Brentford will be trying to maximise any potential fee.
“They’ll be looking to take advantage of the financial situation at Newcastle.”
“If that move happens, I would imagine that fee will be significantly higher. It will be interesting to see if they can get that one over the line.”
Toney has notched 12 goals and four assists in 28 Premier League games for newcomers Brentford this term.
Newcastle’s striking options include Callum Wilson, Chris Wood, and Dwight Gayle.
The Magpies sit 11th in the top flight with five games remaining.
In other news, Kieran Maguire tells Newcastle rivals to stop whinging amid new Premier League HQ controversy.