OPINION
Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle is reportedly being lined up by Premier League rivals Stoke City and they should be desperate to seal his exit from St James’ Park.
The Daily Mail reports that Stoke, who have seen their relegation from the top flight confirmed, are eyeing a move to sign the 27-year-old.
It is understood that current Potters manager Paul Lambert is making plans for life next season in the Championship and feels Gayle can be the perfect man to lead a promotion charge.
The report details that Newcastle are keen to recoup the £10million they originally paid for the Englishman.
Gayle is a rapid flyer renowned for his blistering pace and has proven himself to be clinical in the Championship, with his goals firing the Magpies to promotion next season.
However, time and time again he’s flopped at Premier League level and isn’t quite cut out to be a top-level player.
The speed machine is too inconsistent in front of goal and has managed just five goals in 37 appearances this campaign.
His impressive work-rate and unselfishness is to be desired, but he can’t be the first-choice striker next season at St James’ Park.
Newcastle manager Rafael Benitez should be desperate to offload Gayle in the summer, especially if he can receive £10million in return, and could really help the club progress with a prolific centre-forward.
Gayle would certainly do a job for Stoke next year and seeing Newcastle wrap up a deal early in the summer transfer window would suit both parties.
Joselu is another attacker currently on the Newcastle books that has flopped in the 2017/18 campaign and there needs to be a huge overhaul in the final third of the pitch ahead of next season.
