Newcastle United have landed on former striker Ivan Toney as a summer target, as it looks like a move for Darwin Nunez is dead in the water.
The Magpies have been linked with a number of big transfers of late. Indeed, the vast riches at the club since their takeover last year means they could buy almost anyone.
Their pursuit of Benfica forward Nunez has been well reported. Newcastle were keen on the striker in January, but were unable to pull the move off.
Interest continued beyond the January window, though. In fact, it was recently reported that the Magpies had launched a bid of £50million for the striker, who has scored 31 goals this season.
Nunez is in high demand, and the list of teams who are keen on him is a long one. That seems to be one of the reasons which has pushed Newcastle out of the running.
The Telegraph reports that Nunez will snub Eddie Howe’s side for Champions League football. Although, Newcastle have already identified another target for the forward role.
That man is Brentford striker Toney. He has bagged 12 goals in his first proper season of Premier League football.
Toney did play two games in the Premier League in the 2015/16 season. He was featuring for Newcastle at the time, and those games were two of just four he played for the first team.
While Toney might not have been of the calibre the Magpies wanted back then, it seems he is now.
Newcastle are reportedly ready to pay £30million for the Brentford hitman.
Toney among Newcastle striker targets
Toney is not the only striker that Newcastle admire. Howe’s side reportedly still hold onto hope that they can land Frenchman Hugo Ekitike.
The Magpies had an agreement in place with Reims to sign him in January.
However, the forward was wary of the prospect of relegation, so decided to stay put. He will likely be more eager on the transfer now, given Newcastle are in 14th.
The attack at St James’ Park could shape up nicely, should they sign one, or indeed both of those strikers. Signing both could be a possibility, given Allan Saint-Maximin is apparently going to be allowed to leave the club this summer, though it remains to be seen how true that is.
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