Wolverhampton Wanderers have been linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle.
Wolves are in a fantastic position in the Championship, and it appears to be a case of when and not if they get promoted this season, with third place in the division 10 points back of Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.
With Newcastle sliding down the Premier League table currently, and Rafa Benitez asking for just £20 million to spend in January, according to the Daily Mirror, it is surely fair to suggest that Wolves could well be looking to surpass the Magpies the next season.
But despite Wolves’ progress and ambition, it would surely still be a fairly foolish move for Gayle to consider leaving St James’ Park for Molineux.
The 27-year-old was instrumental in guiding Benitez’s men to promotion last season, but has been more of a peripheral figure this term, starting just six times in the Premier League.
He has become more of a regular starter in recent weeks – and vindicated that faith by scoring twice – but he would certainly be forgiven for wanting to leave if he senses that Benitez does not view him as his long-term first-choice striker option.
However, that should not tempt Gayle towards Wolves if they do make an offer in January – as Nuno is surely even more unlikely to be able to offer him first-team football.
Leo Bonatini has been fantastic this season, scoring 12 goals in 20 appearances, so it seems highly unlikely that Gayle will be more than the Brazilian’s understudy if he arrived at Molineux.
Surely therefore, Gayle should look to make the most of his current run in the Newcastle team and look for a move away if he falls out of favour again – but perhaps Wolves would not be the best destination for him.
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