Fulham are interested in signing Newcastle United forward Dwight Gayle, according to the Chronicle.
The 28-year-old has spent the season on-loan at West Brom, hitting 18 goals, and it is understood that the relegated Londoners are keen to take him to the capital in a bid to kickstart their attempt at an immediate return to the top flight.
The report suggests that Gayle is unlikely to have a future at St. James’ Park should Benitez choose to sign an extension on his current deal.
OPINION
This could prove to be a really good thing for Newcastle United. It’s fairly obvious that Gayle has no real future at United, given the way that he was shipped out on loan this season. The chances of Benitez having some kind of change of heart appear pretty slim, but if Fulham are genuinely interested then this could be a real bargaining tool for the Magpies. Gayle will be a man in demand this summer, and you would imagine that, alongside Fulham, West Brom would also be keen to retain his services. Given the current situation with Salomon Rondon, knowing that other sides are sniffing around Gayle could be exactly the kind of motivation the Baggies need to set the wheels in motion on a map that would be mutually beneficial for both sides. Leverage is advantageous in any negotiation, especially when a player as talented as Rondon could be at stake.
