NEWCASTLE are considering a £30million swoop for Brentford striker Ivan Toney after admitting defeat in the race for Darwin Nunez, according to reports.
Eddie Howe is desperately targeting a star centre-forward this summer, despite splashing out £25m on Chris Wood in January.
Wood has managed just ONE goal from open play, two in total, with the Toon's top scorer Callum Wilson scoring just six.
And while Newcastle have all-but confirmed their Premier League status after a last-gasp win over Leicester at the weekend, Howe is keen to add a striker.
The former Bournemouth chief was on the brink of signing Reims ace Hugo Ekitike in the winter, only for the move to collapse on deadline day.
Newcastle were also chasing Nunez, 22, but Benfica refused to sell their star man.
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With Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea just a few European giants linked – and Nunez desperate to play Champions League football – the Toon have admitted defeat in their bid, say The Telegraph.
And the report claims Howe will turn to in-form Brentford striker Toney in a deal worth at least £30m.
Toney was once on the books of Newcastle, but was sold to Peterborough by Rafa Benitez for just £650,000 in 2018.
Two years later, the forward signed for Brentford and helped their charge into the Premier League.
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Toney has even scored 12 top-flight goals this season – including one against Newcastle in their 3-3 draw in November – and is pushing for a spot in the England squad for this winter's World Cup.
The forward has twice seemingly disrespected Brentford as he appears to push for a move to a bigger club.
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In January, a video surfaced of Toney saying "f*** Brentford* while sticking up his middle finger.
Two months later, a fan asked where he played, to which Toney replied: "Nowhere exciting."
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