Former England international David James believes Brentford striker Ivan Toney should consider a return to Newcastle this summer.

The 27-year-old left St James’ Park six years ago but he is expected to be on the market at the end of the season with one year left on his contract. Speaking about where the forward could go, James suggested either the Magpies or Arsenal as a potential destination.

“Given Callum Wilson’s injury record this season, and I hope he can get himself fit to be in the conversation to go to Euro 2024 in the summer, but if there’s an ongoing issue for him there, then I think there’s a natural fit for Ivan Toney at Newcastle when you consider the way that Eddie Howe likes his side to play.”

“If I had to choose where Ivan should go in the summer, then I would say Arsenal or Newcastle United, but it all depends on whether these teams are looking to win titles or just have a top goalscorer.”

Toney will have plenty of suitors

Newcastle and Arsenal are not the only Premier League teams who have been credited with an interest in the England international.

Chelsea and Manchester United are also expected to be in the mix for Toney, who has scored 36 times in 74 league appearances for Brentford; averaging a goal every 2.06 games.

C0uld Newcastle afford to sign the forward?

Brentford were said to be demanding as much as £100m for the player during the January transfer window. However, talkSPORT pundit Simon Jordan has suggested that the Bees may lower their valuation slightly to £70m in the summer due to Toney’s contract situation.

Whether Eddie Howe’s team would have the funds to finance a move for the player, though, it is up for debate, considering the pressures they face from the Premier League Profit and Sustainability rules.

You can watch the documentary – Newcastle United: The Road Back To Europe on Shots! TV here