Newcastle United are reportedly pushing to sign Burnley striker Andre Gray.
Burnley’s Andre Gray
According to The Mirror, Burnley are happy to sell striker Andre Gray to Newcastle this summer, because owner Mike Ashley tends to pay transfer fees up front.
The Clarets swooped to land Gray, 25, from Brentford in the summer of 2015, having hit 20 goals in 52 games for the Bees – and he again showed his goalscoring prowess last season.
Gray smashed 23 goals to help Burnley win promotion, and he was a regular feature of Sean Dyche’s side this season, scoring nine Premier League goals.
The problem for Burnley is that, much like Michael Keane, Gray is out of contract at the end of next season, and the Clarets may have to cash in this summer rather than risk losing him for nothing in 2018.
Burnley’s Andre Gray celebrates scoring
Now, The Mirror claim that Newcastle – who won promotion to the Premier League weeks ago – are continuing to pursue a deal for Gray, and Burnley may be keen to sell to the Magpies.
It’s claimed that whilst Tottenham are also keen, Burnley would fancy letting him go to Newcastle because owner Mike Ashley tends to pay transfer fees in full up front, with Burnley wanting the cash immediately to replace Gray.
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley in the stands
That would be a major boost for Newcastle, who will be looking for attacking reinforcements to aid Dwight Gayle, with lingering question marks over the futures of Aleksandar Mitrovic and Daryl Murphy.
It’s unclear just how much Newcastle would have to pay for Gray, but with just one year left on his contract, the Magpies could land a bargain – and in an intriguing twist, Ashley’s approach to transfer fees could help the club win the race for Gray’s signature, if reports are to be believed.
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