OPINION
Finally, after 23 days of waiting, Newcastle United look like they are on the verge of making concrete movements in the January transfer window.
As reported by Lee Ryder, chief sports writer at the Newcastle-based Chronicle newspaper, the Magpies are close to securing a loan deal for Chelsea flyer Kenedy.
Ryder also claims that manager Rafa Benitez is pushing for a deal to bring in a new striker, which is much needed for for a side that have scored just 22 goals in 24 games so far this season.
Rafa Benitez still pushing for a striker deal. Those close to the club suggesting Mike Ashley has approved the plan for remainder of month and left it to his board to get deals done. Kenedy deal should get completed later #nufc #transferwindow
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 23, 2018
Elsewhere, the Daily Express report that the Magpies are trying to work out a deal for Atletico Madrid striker Kevin Gameiro, in a deal that could break the club’s £16million transfer record.
Whatever the identity of the forward that comes in, the new signing is going to shunt the club’s current strikers down the pecking order, and that may present a golden opportunity to Championship clubs also on the hunt for a hitman.
Aston Villa, who have struggled with injuries to their forwards this season, are one of those clubs, and Steve Bruce must be opportunistic to steal in for one of Newcastle’s current striking crop, Dwight Gayle.
Gayle has been in and out of the Toon side this season, making 21 Premier League appearances and scoring three goals in the process.
The 27-year-old has juggled striking duties with Joselu, who has four league goals to his name.
In certain matches, where Newcastle want to play on the break, Gayle has been selected over the bigger Joselu to use his pace in behind.
Occasionally the two have started together, but that has been a rare occurrence.
Benitez’s insistence on switching up his striking options has limited the impact of both players, and it has also made it clear that Gayle’s future is better spent away from St. James’ Park.
Fulham have been linked with Gayle this window after showing concrete interest last summer, and with a new striker on the horizon, there is more chance of Newcastle letting Gayle go in the coming days.
If you look at the 27-year-old’s record from last season in the Championship, Villa would be getting a striker who is prolific in the second tier.
Gayle netted 23 times in 32 appearances in the 2016/17 campaign, and was one of the Magpies’ best players as they earned promotion straight back into the Premier League.
Overall, the diminutive striker has 36 goals in 61 Championship appearances over his career, and that is an impressive record.
Villa are crying out for a striker like Gayle, who is guaranteed to score on a regular basis between now and the end of the season.
Jonathan Kodjia is out injured, and Gabby Agbonlahor is ineffective. Keinan Davis is showing promise, but his record of just two goals in 22 appearances is not good enough.
Scott Hogan is the only one scoring at the moment, with four in his last three, but he has spent much of the season out injured, and will need some back-up.
Who better than 23-goal man Gayle?
Sign him, and Villa will nail down a top-six finish and place in the play-offs.