Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle is to stay put despite links to West Bromwich Albion, according to Birmingham Live.
Dwight Gayle to Stay at Newcastle Despite West Bromwich Albion Links
Gayle Part of Eddie Howe’s Plans Amid Interest from Former Club
Newcastle’s Dwight Gayle is part of Eddie Howe’s plans, according to Birmingham Live. The striker, who has only featured four times this season, was linked with a return to West Bromwich Albion last week.
However, Howe is keen to integrate the ex-Baggies forward at St. James’ Park. The striker was injured recently but returned to the bench for games against Norwich City and Burnley.
Unlikely to feature regularly, Gayle is behind Callum Wilson and Joelinton in the pecking order. But Howe is not keen to let him return to his former club in January.
A Return to West Bromwich Albion Off the Cards?
Dwight Gayle scored 23 goals and made eight assists in 2018/19 for West Bromwich Albion. The club reached fourth in the Championship but failed to gain promotion via the play-offs.
Current manager Valérien Ismaël is said to be keen on bringing him back to aid their promotion push. The Baggies have struggled for goals this season.
Karlan Grant is their top goalscorer within seven goals. The Midlands side have only scored 29 this season – unimpressive when compared to the 50 boasted by top-placed Fulham.
Questions have been raised about Gayle’s suitability to Ismaël’s system but his goalscoring record in the second tier is not to be scoffed at.
Gayle has scored 59 goals in 100 Championship matches to date.
Where Does Gayle Fit Into Newcastle’s Plans?
Callum Wilson is the first-choice striker at Newcastle United. Eddie Howe worked with the Coventry-born forward at AFC Bournemouth. He has followed in Steve Bruce’s footsteps in entrusting Wilson with the starting role.
Gayle will not be considered for a starting role given the players currently in the positions around him.
Following their financial takeover, the club may be able to spend more freely in the transfer market. However, their situation regarding transfers is still unknown. For Eddie Howe, staying in the Premier League is the most important thing. The club sit second from bottom in the top flight, joint on points with bottom-placed Norwich City.
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