Newcastle have asked Brentford about Ivan Toney, The Telegraph's Luke Edwards reports.

The lowdown

Toney has already one spell at Newcastle, beginning in 2015 when they signed him from Northampton.

After spells on loan with Barnsley, Shrewsbury Town, Scunthorpe United and Wigan Athletic, he sealed a permanent exit to Peterborough United for just £350,000 in 2018.

He would spend two seasons with the Posh before making a move to Brentford and helping them win promotion to the Premier League.

The Englishman, who's now earning £21,000 per week on a contract that runs until June 2025, only made four appearances for the Toon.

The latest

Newcastle launched a 'pursuit' of Brentford striker Toney, Edwards writes.

However, the Bees told them they would have to pay £50million, and Newcastle regard that as extortionate.

As of now, the pursuit has gone cold, but it's clear that the Magpies are interested, and so they may return if Brentford show a willingness to compromise later in the window.

The verdict

You can see why Newcastle might be keen to bring Toney back to St James' Park. He bagged 14 goals in 37 appearances last season, including 12 in 23 in the league.

One of those goals was an 11th-minute effort in the 3-3 draw between Newcastle and Brentford on Tyneside, Eddie Howe's first game in charge.

Toney produced a big performance against his former club that day, clearing a shot off the line and drawing five fouls in addition to his goal (via Whoscored).

Manager Thomas Frank says he has the 'mindset of a lion', and that could make him a fan favourite wherever he's playing.

This may be one to keep an eye on.

In other news, a potential goalkeeper target has emerged for Eddie Howe.