Ivan Toney backed to re-sign for Newcastle United after £50m reveal – pundit
Noel Whelan has insisted Ivan Toney would be a “good choice” for Newcastle if they want to add a new striker this summer.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the 26-year-old could thrive at St James’ Park after the Magpies’ upgrades in the full-back positions.
According to i News (18 July), it would take an “astronomical” offer of close to £40million to prise Toney away from Brentford this summer – amid interest from Newcastle, West Ham and Manchester United.
The Telegraph claim (19 July) that the Magpies have £50million remaining in their transfer kitty after completing deals for Nick Pope, Matt Targett, and Sven Botman thus far this summer.
Toney, who has three years remaining on his Brentford contract, scored 14 goals in 37 games last season.
Whelan compared the former Newcastle man to Andy Cole – who scored 68 goals for the Magpies between 1993 and 1995.
“He’s a goalscorer, and he’s proved that in the Premier League,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“He’s proved he can get into double figures, and he’s got that proven track record from penalties too.
“I’ve said before, he could be like an Andy Cole. He’s got very similar attributes in the box.
“If you give him the service, he will score goals. He’d be a good choice for Newcastle. He’d get the service he needs now that they’ve got wing-backs who love to get nice and high.”
Toney has established a reputation as a penalty specialist – missing just one of his 24 career spot-kicks.
Newcastle’s only senior striking option at present is England international Callum Wilson.
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