Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle is a surprise target for Middlesbrough, according to reports.
According to a report from The Sun, Middlesbrough could try and target a shock move for Newcastle forward Dwight Gayle if they fail to land Nottingham Forest striker Britt Assombalonga this summer – prompting plenty of reaction from fans of the two clubs.
The Sun reports Boro plan to target Assombalonga and are ready to bid £15 million for the 24-year-old who has enjoyed a prolific, yet injury-plagued spell at the City Ground.
Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle
However, The Sun adds that if Garry Monk’s men fail to complete a deal for Assombalonga, they hope to try and bring Gayle to the Riverside Stadium in what would arguably be one of the more surprising deals of the window.
Gayle may still be waiting for his first double figures return in the Premier League, but he enjoyed a stunning season last term that inspired Newcastle’s Championship title win, scoring 23 goals in just 32 games, and it would hardly be a surprise if Rafa Benitez included him in his plans for the coming season – even if he looks to give him a less prominent role.
Unsurprisingly therefore, the reports linking Gayle with a move from Newcastle to one of their rivals has been met with plenty of scepticism and disbelief, with many Magpies supporters believing that he will contribute at the highest level.
Meanwhile, Boro fans seem to be excited at the prospect of potentially landing Gayle, even if they also doubt whether a deal could actually happen.
Middlesbrough manager Garry Monk
Here is the best of the reaction…
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