Former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey has told This Is Futbol in an exclusive interview that he is surprised that Dwight Gayle could be handed a new contract.
According to The Northern Echo, the 30-year-old is set to sign a new three-year deal at St. James’ Park.
His current deal expires at the end of the month and Newcastle do not want to lose him on a free, instead hoping to either sell or loan him, the same outlet reports.
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Whatever the case, Howey is still surprised by the development. When asked about it, he told TIF:
“Three years, it’s a good contract. It’s [potentially] more stability for him and his family. I don’t know; he hasn’t been used a great deal this season.
“I’m kind of a little bit surprised when he’s another one that hasn’t really been used that much.”
Indeed, it is a little bit of a strange one. If Newcastle cannot find a buyer for Gayle or a team who are willing to pay all of his wages during a loan spell, then they are stuck with a player on Premier League money who manager Steve Bruce barely used in the campaign that has just gone.
Bearing that in mind, perhaps letting him go on a free transfer would have been best for all parties.