Benitez’s ‘great player’ stalling on Newcastle exit despite three offers

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Dwight Gayle is stalling on a potential exit from Newcastle United this summer as offers to join Middlesbrough, Watford or West Brom are yet to interest the outcast Magpies striker.

That’s according to The Northern Echo, who report the trio of Championship sides have all made Gayle offers this summer. But neither deal tabled to date has included an acceptable figure, while Newcastle have not yet received a suitable financial package to advance talks.

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United anticipate Gayle will leave St James’ Park at some stage during the summer sales as he is not a part of Eddie Howe’s plans. The Toon boss has told the 32-year-old to train with the club’s reserves with fellow fringe players Ciaran Clark and Jeff Hendrick for pre-season.

Talks remain ongoing between Newcastle chiefs and their counterparts at Middlesbrough, Watford and West Brom over their interest in Gayle. Ground must be made on the side of the Championship trio if either is to secure the forward’s services before the season starts.

Gayle most interested in Middlesbrough move amid Newcastle exit likelihood

Gayle would be most interested in moving to Middlesbrough as a switch from Tyneside to Teesside would not see him need to relocate, per Chronicle Live. Toon decision-makers are also hopeful Chris Wilder’s side present an improved offer so Howe can sign a new striker.

Watford remain in the running for Rafa Benitez’s £10m signing from Crystal Palace in 2016, though. The Northern Echo note talks between the Hornets and Toon have been ongoing for the past week to see if the newly-relegated Vicarage Road outfit can make a suitable offer.

Gayle would be a wise addition for Middlesbrough, Watford or West Brom given his prior record in the Championship. Benitez hailed him as a ‘great player, a proven goalscorer’, via Eurosport, for what he could give Newcastle after the Spaniard sealed the striker’s signing.

The attacker would go on to hit home 23 goals in 32 games as the Toon swept the title for promotion. Gayle also offered West Brom 23 goals in 39 games during 2018/19 whilst on loan at The Hawthorns to help the Baggies reach the play-offs before losing to Aston Villa.