Aston Villa are reportedly showing interest in Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, who thrived at West Bromwich Albion this season.
Aston Villa are considering a potential move for Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle this summer, according to a report.
Birmingham Live have claimed that Gayle, who thrived at West Brom in the Championship this season, impressed Villa staff, who beat their Midland rivals in the play-off semi-finals this season.
It is said that with Chelsea loanee Tammy Abraham set to stay at his parent club next season, Villa are looking at potential reinforcements in their striking department.
In recent years, Gayle has thrived in the second tier of English football, but he has struggled to transcend that form when playing in the Premier League.
During the recently concluded season, the experienced striker scored 23 goals from his 39 Championship appearances [transfermarkt] for West Brom, who finished fourth in the division.
If Abraham doesn’t return to Villa in the summer then Jonathan Kodjia, Keinan Davis and Scott Hogan, who was on loan at fellow promoted side Sheffield United, will be their striking options for next season.
Dean Smith will be well aware that he’ll need more depth and quality in that department, but it remains to be seen how a player like Gayle would be welcomed by the Villa Park faithful.
He was sent off in the first leg of Albion’s 2-1 play-off semi-final defeat to Villa when he received two yellows for time wasting and his high challenge on goalkeeper Jed Steer.
Gayle, who reportedly earns £40k-a-week [Spotract], will be aware that given his age this is probably his last chance to prove his worth in England’s top-flight.
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