Newcastle Target Plays 45 Minutes In Club's Pre-Season Friendly

Newcastle United are closing in on the signing of striker Ivan Toney after Northampton Town's chairman confirmed €œdiscussions€ have taken place - but the youngster still featured in the Cobblers' pre-season friendly. Toney started up front for the League Two side in their 5-2 friendly victory over Worthing on Tuesday, despite the speculation over his future, and failed to find the target - although he did see a header land in the side netting. He played just 45 minutes, however, as Northampton boss Chris Wilder decided to change almost his entire starting line-up at half-time.

The 19-year-old forward has been tracked by a number of Premier League clubs but it looks as though Newcastle have won the race for his signature. Talks are ongoing between the Magpies and Northampton, with a fee in the region of £300,000 likely to be agreed for the young forward - and McClaren wants the youngster on the plane to the USA for Newcastle€™s pre-season this weekend. Speaking to the Daventry Express, Cardoza said of his club€™s forward:

€œI can€™t say any more at the moment, other than there has been discussions with Newcastle. €œI am expecting to hear something from them - but nothing yet. €œThere have been a number of conversations, but we are still waiting to hear something definite.€

Also, Cardoza is quoted in the Daily Mail as saying:

€œWe have to get the best deal and if there are add-ons and all the other extras, then it means that as Ivan improves over the years, the club will continue to get some income from it. That€™s the way it should be.

€œWhat can we do? It (Newcastle) is a massive Premier League club, it is every footballer\s dream to play for a club like that and I hope it happens for Ivan.

€œIt would be good for the club, but it would be fantastic for him.€

Graham Carr, Newcastle€™s chief scout, has watched Toney play on a number of occasions over the last couple of seasons and he has recommended that the Magpies add the forward to their squad. McClaren has endured a frustrating first month at the Newcastle helm as far as transfers are concerned, with the Magpies and Crystal Palace the only two Premier League sides who are yet to complete any signings so far this summer. But it now looks as if Newcastle will complete a £300,000 deal for the promising Northampton-born forward at some point this week. Toney has made 53 appearances for the Cobblers since he made his debut at the age of 16 back in 2012 and he has netted 11 Football League goals. He was the youngest player ever to represent Northampton and, due to his age, he would have significant sell-on potential for the Magpies. For all the latest NUFC News, Views and Transfers make sure to follow whatculture.com/NUFC on Twitter and Facebook.