Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of Northampton Town youngster Ivan Toney, according to Adrian Karumba of the Mirror.
Since making his debut as a 16-year-old (to become Northampton’s youngest ever player) in 2012, Toney has established himself as a regular fixture in Northampton’s starting line-up – making 44 appearances for the League Two outfit last campaign. The 19-year-old repaid his manager’s faith with a number of impressive performances, which attracted attention from several Premier League and Championship clubs.
Wolves were among the clubs interested in signing the young forward and made an approach last summer, but Toney failed his medical. The details are confidential as to the extent of the failure.
The Magpies have managed to fend off strong competition to agree a £300,000 fee for Toney and hope to unveiled him as McClaren’s first signing of the summer. Although, the Mirror suggest Georginio Wijnaldum could be Newcastle’s first, if there is a stumbling block when trying to iron out the final details for Toney.
The Dutch international, who’s likely to cost roughly £15million, has reportedly snubbed a move to bitter rivals Sunderland as he favours a move to St James’ Park – making the move all the more sweeter for the Geordie faithful.
Meanwhile, Newcastle’s offer for Marseille attacker Florian Thauvin remains under consideration by Vincent Labrune. The Ligue 1 outfit could be prepared to accept the Magpies’ €15million bid after signing two adequate replacements in the shape of Bouna Sarr and Lucas Ocampos.
