Report: Stoke want both Dwight Gayle from Newcastle and Benik Afobe

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Stoke City are hoping that they can sign a striker from Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers this summer.

Stoke fans would be forgiven for feeling optimistic about the new season amid reports that Gary Rowett has ambitious plans to overhaul the forward line at the bet365 Stadium this summer, with the Daily Mail reporting in May that Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle was a £10 million target for the Potters, while the Independent reported last week that Benik Afobe is set to sign from Wolves in a £12 million deal.

Given the fees involved, Stoke supporters would be forgiven for thinking that the club will end their interest in one of the forwards should they manage to sign the other. But according to a report from the Daily Mirror’s live transfer blog (11/06; 18:22), that may not be the case.

According to the Mirror, Rowett is keen to sign both men during the coming months as he aims to give Stoke the kind of forward line that would have to make them favourites for promotion next season.

Based on recent reports, it certainly does appear that Afobe will be the much easier acquisition for Stoke despite the fact that Wolves have only just completed a permanent deal themselves.

Losing Gayle could be seen as a blow for Benitez if he does end up leaving St James’ Park this summer. The 28-year-old has not been prolific at the highest level, but he did impress the Toon Army with a number of his performances this past season and Newcastle do not have the depth up front currently to allow one of their main strikers to leave the club.

But Stoke appear to be hoping that they can put together the kind of bid that would allow Rowett to form a potentially-frightening partnership ahead of their first season back in the second tier.