West Bromwich Albion loanee Dwight Gayle was linked with a surprise move to China over the weekend.
After his performance against Stoke in West Brom’s final game before the international break, it would be no surprise if most Baggies fans were already desperate to see the club make a move to sign Dwight Gayle from Newcastle United on a permanent basis.
Gayle scored two superb goals, including a stunning opener in the 2-1 win that allowed Darren Moore’s men to go into the international break on a high after a mixed start to life in the second tier.
If that display was a sign of things to come, then West Brom stand a fantastic chance of securing promotion at the first time of asking. And based on the surprise reports emerging over the weekend, they are going to need to go up if they have any desire of keeping Gayle beyond this season.
It is an eye-watering prospect, and the report suggested that Gayle is likely to be tempted to consider the chance to leave St James’ Park for China next summer.
Given the money that is set to be on the table, the Baggies are already facing an uphill battle if they hope to sign Gayle permanently next year.
Not only will the Chinese clubs be able to offer more, but Newcastle would also not have to sell to a side that they may be coming up against next term depending on which league they find themselves in – so the Magpies would be forgiven for wanting to steer Gayle towards Asia if they are keen to cash in.
If West Brom want to keep Gayle therefore, and are to stand a chance of getting something done, then you would imagine that it is essential that they get promoted this year and then hope that getting another chance to shine in the Premier League is enough to tempt the striker to snub the big money.
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