Tony Cascarino has lauded Brentford forward Ivan Toney, who is reportedly a transfer target for Newcastle United.
Taking to a column with The Times, the pundit lavished praise on the 26-year-old, who he believes should be amongst the England squad.
Whilst the striker was in the last Three Lions squad before the World Cup, he did not go to Qatar, as an off-the-field situation emerged just before the tournament.
“I believe Toney will earn that second chance,” Cascarino said.
“The main reason is that he’s still improving and has been doing so for 18 months.
“He came into the Premier League with Brentford and went up a gear from a stunning season in the Championship. That was impressive but to go up another level this season has suggested to me that there is more to come.
“He’s also showing that he is far, far more than a big, boisterous man up front. I’ve said this before but watching him live, at Chelsea, bullying Antonio Rüdiger and Thiago Silva, I thought this guy can play at the very top.
“He is also like Kane in that he scores all types of goals — tap-ins, from set pieces, headers and from long range. His progression, as well as being admired, is also a pressure that could count against him as some may see him as a ‘Football League player done well’.
“But he is good enough to prove them wrong.”
According to The Mirror, Toney is of interest to the Magpies, alongside Manchester United, Leeds and West Ham.
Cascarino lauds Newcastle linked Toney
The striker has enjoyed a fantastic start to the Premier League season. In 14 matches thus far, the 26-year-old has bagged ten goals and two assists.
Since joining Brentford, Toney has amassed an incredible goal-scoring record, having netted 58 times in 105 games.
Known for his physical presence, dominance in the air and his pin-point finishing ability, the former Peterborough man has been exceptional since making it into the English top-flight with the west London outfit.
Toney has regularly been linked with a move to Tyneside, having already been with the club, and with the numbers he has put up, it is no wonder why.
Despite this, Newcastle have since signed talented youngster Alexander Isak in a £63m deal. Already with England international Callum Wilson on the books, it remains to be seen whether Eddie Howe wants to buy another centre-forward.
Therefore, whilst he is totally good enough to play up front for the Toon, it is not clear whether it makes sense from a positional standpoint.
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