Leeds were reportedly interested in Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle last summer.
It has been a disappointing campaign for Leeds United striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga. On loan from Hamburg, the German powerhouse was eyed as the man to replace the loss of Chris Wood.
But just 10 goals later, a permanent deal for Lasogga seems unlikely considering his £15,000-a-week wages – a fee confirmed by Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay earlier this year.
A new striker will be one of Leeds’ highest priorities in the summer, and they should consider reigniting reported summer interest in Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle.
Gayle, 27, remains one of Newcastle’s central figures but recent reports suggest that the Toon are still on the lookout for a new striker, with loanee Islam Slimani making just one Newcastle appearance since joining on loan in January.
Italian outlet CalcioMercato claim Newcastle are after Nice hotshot Alassane Plea, after the uncapped Frenchman has scored 17 goals in all competitions this season – including 12 in Ligue 1.
That will surely see Gayle fall down the pecking order at St. James’ Park if the Toon are serious about trying to land the Nice forward, and may convince the Gayle that a move elsewhere would be the right thing to do at this stage in his career.
The Daily Star claimed in August that Newcastle had informed Leeds that they required £18million for the former Crystal Palace forward, who topped the Championship goalscoring charts during Newcastle’s promotion campaign of 2016-17.
However, his value may well have dropped after managing only five Premier League goals in 29 top-tier appearances, and that could see Leeds be able to meet the Toon’s asking price.
A proven Championship marksman, Gayle would be a huge signing at Elland Road and surely push them towards an eventual return to the Premier League – but the Toon would have to sign Plea or another striker first.
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