Newcastle are bracing themselves for a January transfer bid from Championship side West Bromwich Albion for striker Dwight Gayle.
This comes after The Telegraph originally reported the news of West Brom’s interest in bringing the forward back to the Midlands.
The 29-year-old, who is valued at £13.5 million (Transfermarkt), spent last season on loan at West Brom and managed to score 24 goals in 41 appearances in all competitions for the Baggies (per Transfermarkt).
After completing his impressive season at the Hawthorns last year, Gayle returned to Newcastle for their 2019/20 Premier League campaign. But this season so far has been a stark opposite of his previous year. In Newcastle’s 12 Premier League matches, Gayle has only featured in the squad in their last five games, coming on in two of them for only a handful of minutes (per Transfermarkt).
TIF Tactics
With Gayle not looking likely to break into the Steve Bruce’s side ahead of Joelinton, who has played in all 12 Premier League games for Newcastle this season (per WhoScored), maybe a move back to the Baggies would be beneficial for both parties.
Despite Joelinton’s lack of goals this season, scoring just one goal, Bruce has shown faith in his abilities and work rate ahead of the likes of Gayle.
At West Brom, current striker Charlie Austin has only scored one goal in 10 appearances, so maybe come January, if Gayle does return, he could retain his place as their first-choice striker.