Newcastle's latest striker injury makes summer signing more likely

Dwight Gayle hobbled off in a 2-1 loss at Sheffield Wednesday – but would Burnley’s Andre Gray have softened the blow for Newcastle United.

Matt Ritchie (L) reacts as Dwight Gayle of Newcastle United sits down with an injury

Thanks to Newcastle United’s superb form in the first half of the season, their ongoing, post-December wobbles should not have any impact on their ambitions of earning promotion from the Championship at the first time of asking.

Despite Saturday’s 2-1 loss at Sheffield Wednesday, The Magpies are still ten points clear of third-place Huddersfield Town. Though another defeat, and an injury to top scorer Dwight Gayle, has only increased the demand for improvements in the squad ahead of a daunting Premier League return, The Chronicle reports.

The Magpies created and wasted chances in the closing minutes of their narrow loss at Hillsborough, racking up eight shots on target and forcing home goalkeeper Kieran Westwood into frequent action. However, with Gayle limping off inside half an hour, Newcastle lacked the precision to shatter Wednesday’s resistance.

The 26-year-old has endured an injury-hit second half of the season, but he is still Newcastle’s top scorer with 22 – eleven clear of nearest challenger Matt Ritchie.

However, with fellow forwards Aleksandar Mitrovic, Darryl Murphy and Ayoze Perez netting just 14 between them, Gayle’s impending absence and another profligate display against Wednesday will surely convince Rafael Benitez that a new striker is a priority in the summer.

Burnley's Andre Gray celebrates scoring their second goal

Therefore, Newcastle should ramp up their pursuit of Burnley’s Andre Gray. The Chronicle claims that he was on the club’s radar a year ago and, having scored eight goals in his debut Premier League campaign, has only enhanced his reputation since.

Blessed with natural pace and the ability to run behind defenders, Gray appears the perfect fit for Benitez’s attack. And, with just a year remaining on his contract at Burnley, Newcastle should not miss an opportunity to ensure that Gayle will not be relied upon so heavily next season.

Burnley's Andre Gray shoots at goal