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.

What is the latest news involving Toney?

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.

What has Jones said about Toney?

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.

Liverpool 2-0 Everton! Full reaction to Merseyside derby on The Football Terrace...

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 they've got to be aware of financial fair play, and there is better value to be had out there than that deal. So, they are interested in him, but they're also going to have to tread carefully.”

Who else could Newcastle sign?

A recent report from 90min claimed that a £30m move for Stade Reims forward Hugo Ekitike is ‘in the pipeline’ for Howe’s charges.

Newcastle came close to signing the highly-rated 19-year-old in January before late interest from European giants Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain convinced the player to stay put.

With Ekitike seven years Toney’s junior while appearing to have more potential than his counterpart and sharing the same price tag, a move for the talented teenager would surely represent better value for money for Newcastle.