‘He’s a talisman’: BBC pundit was left seriously impressed by Newcastle United target’s performance this weekend

By Ben Evans

Newcastle United fans will be looking forward to record signing Alexander Isak returning to the side.

The Swedish international picked up an injury last month, and is unavailable for today’s match against Manchester United.

Speaking on BBC Match of the Day (15/10 11:30pm), Ashley Williams was talking about another forward Newcastle targeted in the summer.

Williams was really impressed with Brentford forward Ivan Toney after his brace against Brighton.

The 26-year-old has been in brilliant form this season, and already has eight goals in the league.

Toney was linked with a move to Newcastle in the summer, but Brentford held onto their talisman.

Fabrizio Romano delivered an update in the last few weeks, suggesting that Newcastle will have to wait until next season if they want to sign Toney.

The forward is in contention to go to the World Cup with England, and was in Gareth Southgate’s latest squad.

Toney’s first goal showed how good his striker’s instinct is, flicking the ball past Adam Webster, giving Robert Sanchez no chance in goal.

His penalty taking ability is already well known, and he dispatched another spot kick to seal the win for Brentford.

Williams impressed with Toney

Speaking on Match of the Day, Williams said: “And that from a centre-half’s perspective is so difficult to play against when the striker’s making his run across you.

“And like you said Jermaine, timely as well, he’s got early, he’s showing patience and he’s in there at the right time.

“He’s a talisman for Brentford, and he’s filled in at the left-back position, working his socks off for the team, and doing an all-round good job.

“He’s shows strength, and gets a penalty from (Joel) Veltman, who he was having a right battle with.

“Toney’s such an important player for Brentford, and I also agree that he deserves to be in the (England) squad, and I think he’d go in there with a little bit of arrogance, and I mean that in the best possible way.

“He has a lot of pieces to his game that could help any international team and he would be a valuable member of that squad.”

Toney would be a fantastic option for Newcastle, and would slot straight into Eddie Howe’s system.

Howe demands his forwards work hard in and out of possession, something Toney is used to doing.

He was seen chasing attackers back on Friday, stealing the ball off Brighton’s attackers in his own half.

Toney’s asking price is only going to rise if he keeps up this level of performance.

Williams wouldn’t have been the only person impressed with Toney on Friday.

Newcastle will be keeping a close eye on Brentford’s number 17 as the season goes on.