Ivan Toney won’t be joining Newcastle, but £20m Dion Drena Beljo a live option

Newcastle United are continuing to explore their options ahead of the January transfer window, with another striker potentially on the agenda as Matthias Jaissle looks to improve our attacking options.

Ivan Toney has been linked with a reunion with his former Al-Ahli manager, but a move for the 30-year-old is not expected to happen. Instead, Dinamo Zagreb forward Dion Drena Beljo is emerging as a more realistic name to watch.

Toney ruled out as Newcastle scout Croatian

According to The iPaper's Mark Douglas, Ivan Toney's age and huge wage packet makes a January move for the 30-year-old a non-starter.

The England international has been prolific in Saudi Arabia, and his experience and profile could undoubtedly appeal to a relatively youthful Newcastle squad. However, the report suggests a return to Tyneside is not on the cards.

That comes after claims from Saudi Arabia last week that Jaissle was keen to reunite with Toney, with the striker having scored 72 goals under the German during their time together at Al-Ahli. There is, however, another name to keep an eye on.

The i Paper reports that Newcastle scouts have watched Dinamo Zagreb striker Dion Drena Beljo in recent months, with the Croatian forward valued at around £20m.

Beljo was also linked with a move to Tyneside last week, with reports claiming our recruitment team had been present at the Stadium of Light to watch him score in Dinamo’s 2-0 Europa League win over Sunderland.

The 24-year-old has been in outstanding form, with reports putting his tally at 18 goals and six assists in 19 appearances this season. He also enjoyed a prolific previous campaign, recording 38 goals and six assists.

Beljo a more realistic option as Newcastle look for goals

Our need for another reliable source of goals is becoming increasingly clear. We have struggled for consistency in front of goal this season, and Jaissle could do with another centre-forward who can make an immediate impact.

Toney would bring Premier League experience and a proven goalscoring record, but his age and wages would make any deal a significant commitment. Beljo, meanwhile, is 24 and has been attracting attention through his performances for Dinamo.

There is still a lot of work to do before we can say Newcastle are seriously pursuing a January deal, and scouting a player does not guarantee that a formal approach will follow. Dinamo are also in a strong position, with Beljo under contract until 2030.

But the i Paper’s report adds further weight to the growing links between Newcastle and the Croatian striker, although there is no guarantee he'd settle quickly in England after scoring goals for fun abroad. Just ask Nick Woltemade.

With Jaissle looking for more goals, Newcastle often shopping abroad for those 24 or under, and January approaching, Beljo is certainly one to watch. Toney may have been an attractive reunion on paper, but a younger, more attainable option could be the direction our recruitment team are exploring.