Newcastle United have reportedly failed with an approach to swap striker Dwight Gayle for Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney.
According to The Guardian (18:17), Newcastle United have attempted to swap striker Dwight Gayle for Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney – but the Championship club have refused that proposal.
After landing six summer signings, Newcastle remain in the market for more additions before tonight’s 11pm deadline, with the future of Dwight Gayle up in the air.
Gayle, 27, signed for Newcastle from Crystal Palace last summer, and smashed 23 goals to fire Newcastle to promotion from the Championship last season, with many expecting a big season from him in the Premier League.
However, after firing blanks against Tottenham Hotspur and Huddersfield Town, Gayle was dropped for Saturday’s game against West Ham United, and speculation has surrounded his future ever since.
With Newcastle prepared to cash in for around £20million, according to Sky Sports, Fulham made a £15million bid – and Newcastle appear to have took the opportunity to make an intriguing offer to the Championship club.
The Guardian report that Newcastle asked to take playmaker Tom Cairney in a straight swap deal for Gayle, but Fulham rejected that proposal as they desperately attempt to keep hold of Cairney.
Tom Cairney of Fulham
The Scotland international hit 13 goals and 10 assists in the Championship last season, and has emerged as long-term target for Benitez having been linked with Newcastle throughout 2017.
Newcastle may well have thought that Fulham could be tempted to give Cairney up in a deal for Gayle, but the 26-year-old will be staying at Craven Cottage – and that seemingly means that Gayle will be staying with Newcastle as a result.
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