Toney can’t wait to show his class at Newcastle United

Newcastle manager Steve McClaren says Fabricio Coloccini’s pre-season preparations were “hindered” by transfer speculation after the Argentinian defender signed a contract extension at St James’ Park on Thursday.

Toney became the youngest ever player to make a first team appearance for Northampton after starting against Bradford City in the FA Cup aged just 16 in 2012.

Toney netted 13 goals in 60 appearances for Cobblers after emerging from the Sixfields academy.

Toney, who has signed what the club described as a “long-term” deal and will initially work with Peter Beardsley’s development squad, follows the arrivals of Georginio Wijnaldum, Chancel Mbemba and Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Newcastle said in a statement on their official website: “Newcastle United have completed the signing of striker Ivan Toney from Northampton Town”.

“I’m very excited, the players are a very good standard, can’t wait to get started and show what I am about”.

“Being a young lad who is scoring goals in the Football League was a great thing”.

Stepping up from League Two, it will be interesting to see whether the club instantly send him out on loan, play him in the reserves (Under 21s) or whether he ends up on the bench.

The Magpies had a dismal 2014/15 campaign, in which they just about managed to stay in the Premier League after a final-day win over West Ham United. We wish Ivan well.