After making just 27 starts in the top flight at Crystal Palace, the pressure is on Dwight Gayle again next season.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle celebrates
Dwight Gayle enjoyed perhaps the most successful season of his career in 2016-17 as his 23 goals fired Newcastle United to the Championship title.
After making just 27 Premier League starts across three seasons with Crystal Palace, the 26-year-old quickly cast aside competition from Aleksandar Mitrovic to establish himself as Rafa Benitez’s first choice at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle scores
However, as Gayle hopes for another crack at the top flight, Newcastle are lining up moves for players who could challenge their number 9.
The Chronicle reports that Benitez will continue shopping for centre-forwards after completing the loan signing of Chelsea’s Tammy Abraham, who matched Gayle’s Championship goal tally while on loan at Bristol City.
Antonio Conte has been given assurances that Abraham will see considerable time on the pitch on Tyneside, while the other names linked – including Burnley’s Andre Gray and Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge – are unlikely to settle for a season on the bench.
England’s Tammy Abraham applauds fans
Gayle, who missed much of the second half of the last campaign through injury, may have seen off Mitrovic, but his next challenge at Newcastle could be somewhat tougher.
If the popular forward does not start the season strongly, his fourth opportunity to convince in the Premier League could soon disappear.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle looks dejected
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