Chelsea make Ivan Toney decision after Newcastle discuss summer move

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Former Newcastle United striker Ivan Toney could have earned himself a big move this summer, but that no longer appears to be on the cards.

That is because Toney has been banned from all football related activity for eight months by the FA due to betting breaches.

The England international will not be allowed to play again until January 17th 2024, while he cannot return to training with Brentford until September 17th 2023 – when there will be four months of his suspension remaining.

Toney has been linked with a move away from Brentford this summer, with Newcastle apparently keen. His manager Thomas Frank has suggested that he is worth £100million, but Wednesday’s news surely means he is going nowhere, with one club already withdrawing their interest.

Chelsea end interest in Ivan Toney

According to the Evening Standard, Chelsea have now ended their interest in signing Toney this summer following news about his suspension.

The 27-year-old had emerged as a possible target for the Blues, who are in desperate need of a striker ahead of next season.

Toney certainly fits the bill, and has proven this season that his debut Premier League campaign was no fluke. The forward has enjoyed a remarkable campaign with Brentford, scoring 21 goals and grabbing five assists in all competitions.

However, he will not add to that tally, with his ban taking immediate effect.

Newcastle should do the same

Chelsea have ended their interest in Toney, and Newcastle should do the same. It was reported by the Telegraph last month that the Magpies are planning to make multiple elite signings, with Toon officials discussing a possible move for the former Magpie.

He would have been a wonderful addition at St James’ Park, and would have arrived with a point to prove given the way his Newcastle career went down. Adding him to our forward line of Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson would have been incredible.

However, there is no point in splashing out now that he can’t play until the beginning of next year. It would be a poor use of the summer transfer budget, when the club will hopefully be signing players who are good enough to compete in the Champions League.