Ivan Toney receives 'interesting' message from Newcastle United star after Toon transfer links

Two weeks ago, The Telegraph released an intriguing piece on the Toon transfer front, claiming we look set to turn our attention to Ivan Toney after accepting defeat in our bid to sign Benfica's Darwin Nunez.

Luke Edwards reported that the former NUFC striker - valued at £30m - was 'keen' to join a 'bigger club' this summer after proving himself at Premier League level with Brentford.

However, some interesting comments have now emerged from our very own Callum Wilson, who has sent a message of advice to the 26-year-old while speaking on the BBC's Footballer’s Football Podcast.

He reckons Toney risks hindering his England hopes if he goes from being Brentford's "main guy" and scoring every other week to spending time in and out the side at a "bigger team."

Here's what he had to say about the 14-goal striker linked with a summer return to St James' Park:

“You talk about he wants to play for England, he’s playing and scoring at Brentford.

"You go to a bigger team the competition is bigger, you might not even be playing as much and being on the bench a lot more.

“Really then you’re not going to be in Gareth Southgate’s mind, so you need to stay relevant and the main guy.

“Yeah he can go to another team and he might take on that challenge and thrive but there is always that risk of the other side.

“There is always going to be players, the higher you go, two or three of the same quality players in that position. Competition is high.

"I think he’s been given the platform to play, he’s shown he can play in the Premier League and albeit you might want to go where the grass is greener, sometimes it’s just about plying your trade.

"A lot of people will say 'it’s his first season in the Premier League but can he do it again?' Obviously he’s a great striker and as long as he keeps proving people wrong, if he stays another season and does exactly the same, his move might be bigger than what it would be now.

"Your stock just goes higher the more you play and the more goals you score and I think Brentford need to try hard and keep him. It’s a priority for Brentford."

Ironically, any move for Toney could see Wilson's minutes decrease under Eddie Howe, with widespread reports claiming we've prioritised the signing of a new striker.

Our fit-again number nine may be totally unaware of the rumours linking Toney with a summer return to Tyneside, yet it would be in his interests to put him off if he wants to start the 2022/23 season up top!