Stoke City are keen on a move for Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle as they look to plan for next season in the Championship, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim that Potters boss Paul Lambert is drawing up plans if he stays on as manager and sees Gayle as the man to fire them back to the top-flight.
The Mail report that Newcastle would sanction the exit as long as they recoup the £10million they spent on Gayle from Crystal Palace in 2016, with the 27-year-old’s future at St. James’ Park in doubt.
Gayle has been a mainstay for Newcastle this season, making 36 appearances in all competitions and scoring five goals in the process.
Good move for Newcastle United?
If the Magpies manage to take back the £10million they paid for Gayle in 2016, then this would be a fantastic deal for the club.
The striker has struggled to make a consistent impact this season in the Premier League and the club need to move on to a front man who can score at least 15 goals a season in the top-flight.
The £10million gained from his sale could be put towards a deal for a replacement, and the Magpies squad would be instantly strengthened.
Gayle has been a good servant for the club and played a massive part in securing their promotion back to the Premier League at the first time of asking, but his time is now surely up.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 9/10
Likely to happen?
It does look likely that Gayle will leave Tyneside this summer, with the striker not up to standard in the Premier League.
Stoke look to be a good destination for the 27-year-old as the Potters look to do what the Magpies did and bounce straight back up next season.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 6/10
