Newcastle United have held talks with Stoke City over the potential exit of star striker Dwight Gayle but the player wants to remain on Tyneside, according to Alan Nixon.
The Sun journalist claims on his personal Twitter account that the Potters made contact with the Magpies to enquire about the 27-year-old, who earns a reported £40,000-a-week (source: Spotrac) following their relegation from the Premier League into the Championship.
However, having regularly led the line under manager Rafael Benitez over the past two seasons, including 23 starts from 35 outings in the Premier League, it is stated that the former Crystal Palace forward is not looking to leave St James’ Park, even though it is known the Spanish boss is seeking a new striker to bolster his front line.
Opinion
Despite being a mainstay for Newcastle, Gayle has not hit the goal trail in the top flight after dazzling in the Chamiponship, and it is clear to see why Stoke would want him following their drop into the second tier. He misses too many chances in the Premier League but his movement and threat are a cut above the defences a league below, meaning he regularly had a field day in front of goal during the Magpies’ one-season stay. Still, with Joselu having struggled and Aleksandar Mitrovic unlikely to stay, it does leave Gayle as the number one forward at St James’ Park, and even if another striker comes he will likely be the first choice backup – leaving him with a healthy wage and a decent amount of playing time, so his decision not to leave should come as no surprise. If circumstances change, then maybe he will consider leaving, but for now it is pretty rosy for Gayle.