Sunderland are in talks to sign Newcastle United centre-forward Ivan Toney, according to Roker Report.
The Black Cats site, which is a reliable source of news about the club, claim negotiations are ongoing as the League One outfit explore a loan move for Toney, 22.
Roker Report explained Sunderland have three strikers in their sights, Toney, Bradford City’s Charlie Wyke and Sheffield United’s Billy Sharp as they look to recruit at least two players in the position in time for the new season.
Good move for Sunderland?
Yes. The third-tier club are in desperate need of firepower as they look to bounce back at the first attempt from relegation to England’s third tier. Toney fits the bill as he is young, hungry, mobile and has showed he can score regularly in the lower leagues. The forward had loan spells at Wigan Athletic and Scunthorpe United last season, bagging 14 goals from 46 appearances in all competitions, with 12 of the strikes coming in league matches. That is a healthy record for one so young and who has time on his side. Sunderland have had to adjust their sights following consecutive relegations and taking a Toon youngster on loan would be a decent move.
This Is Futbol rating 8/10
Likely to happen?
There is a good chance. It is inevitable Toney will go out on loan again as he is too raw to be considered for a Newcastle first-team role. The forward has already showed he can score goals consistently at League One level and it would be a surprise if he did not return there next season, even if a temporary transfer to the Toon’s bitter rivals would represent something of a shock.
This Is Futbol rating 7/10