Dwight Gayle could emerge as a target for West Bromwich Albion should Chris Wilder take over the Baggies, according to a report on the print edition of the Sunday Mirror (page 76).
What’s the latest Newcastle transfer news?
Gayle, who is believed to have signed a new contract only recently, enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell at The Hawthorns during the 2019/19 season, scoring 24 goals in the process.
A prolific forward at Championship level, The Athletic recently mooted him as a potential sellable asset should interest emerge, given Toon boss Steve Bruce seems likely to be in a position where he has to sell before he can buy this summer.
Indeed, should West Brom appoint Chris Wilder – a man who wanted the Newcastle job himself back in March – Gayle could be a target for the club.
Should Newcastle sell Gayle?
Ideally, not.
Still, with the transfer budget likely to be low, perhaps Joelinton’s reasonably good end to the season could afford Gayle an exit.
The Brazilian scored three times during the final eight games of the campaign and, while not exactly prolific, was the best goalscoring form of his Newcastle career. Often, Gayle has looked like the best source of goals outside of Callum Wilson, making him a hugely important part of the setup at St James’ Park, with Newcastle surely unlikely to get as good a backup without spending millions.
However, with Joelinton proving capable of finding the back of the net on a semi-regular basis, perhaps Newcastle could cash in on Gayle after all. If the £40m man can keep up that sort of form, deploying him as either a central striker or a wide forward becomes a lot more palatable.
Of course, that’s a big if given the manner of his Newcastle career so far but, with finances depleted, the club may well have to take that risk.
