Fulham are eyeing up a swoop for Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle should Tom Cairney complete a £15million move to West Bromwich Albion, according to a reliable journalist.
Ed Aarons, deputy news editor at Guardian sport, reported on Twitter on Monday evening that the Cottagers were considering the big-money bid from West Brom for Cairney.
Aarons then claims that Fulham would look to sign Magpies attackers Gayle, 27, should they allow Cairney to make his move to the Premier League.
West Brom bid £15m for Tom Cairney being considered by Fulham. They want Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle if he leaves
— Ed Aarons (@ed_aarons) January 15, 2018
As reported by the Daily Mail, Fulham made a £15million bid to sign Gayle in the summer, and Newcastle were willing to sell, but a deal never materialised.
Fulham currently sit in eighth in the Championship, just one point off the play-off spots.
Good move for Newcastle United?
The funny thing about this is that Fulham want to sign Gayle to replace Cairney, but Newcastle would need to sign a replacement of their own to let Gayle go.
Whether this is a good move for the Magpies depends both on the fee for Gayle, and the replacement they then sign.
Thinking just about letting Gayle go, it is neither a good or bad move for the Magpies.
The 27-year-old was brilliant in the Championship last season, but is yet to really fire in the top-flight.
This is Futbol rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
As previously spelled out, this move depends on several factors.
Newcastle have shown willingness to let Gayle go in the past, as the striker came close to a move to Craven Cottage in the summer.
However, Benitez will surely want to hang on to as many players as he can this month in preparation for their battle against relegation, and Gayle will be no exception.
Unless they sign a replacement, or Fulham come in with a big offer that would allow them to strengthen elsewhere, it is unlikely they will let Gayle go.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10