Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle is reportedly on Stoke City’s radar as they prepare for life outside the Premier League.
Paul Lambert’s men are currently bottom of the table and their defeat to Crystal Palace on Saturday ensured that they would be dropping out of the top flight after 10 seasons at the highest level. But the planning to bounce straight back has begun.
According to Stoke on Trent Live, Lambert is keen to pursue a deal for Newcastle striker Gayle. The 27-year-old has endured an incredibly frustrating season at St James’ Park, but played a vital role in getting the Magpies promoted last term.
Following his £10 million move – fee reported by BBC Sport – Gayle went on to score 23 goals in just 32 league games as Rafa Benitez’s side won the Championship title. This season’s return of five goals in 33 appearances is hardly likely to do him any favours when it comes to remaining high up the pecking order with Newcastle.
Given that Gayle’s record in the top flight does not capture the imagination by any stretch, it may not be a bad idea for Benitez to consider selling him in the summer, especially if he anticipates any of the transfer frustrations that have appeared to be there during his previous windows on Tyneside.
Provided that they get one or two strikers in themselves, losing Gayle – who can, on his day, be a real threat to most teams in the top flight – does not have to be a major blow to Newcastle, and if they get a decent fee for him from Stoke, it seems unlikely that too many of the supporters will have any complaints about a deal.
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