Some Newcastle United supporters have been reacting to news this morning that Dwight Gayles has had his contracted extended.
The striker had been set to leave the club this summer on a free transfer.
The Athletic have reported the 31-year-old has committed his future to the club, signing a new three-year contract ‘on reduced terms’.
Gayle had been linked with a move away from St. James’ Park, with his old club Crystal Palace supposedly a possible destination at one point (The Sun on Sunday (10/1; page 58).
But it appears Gayle will be sticking around, which is not too much of a surprise given Steve Bruce’s admiration for the player.
That said, Gayle has featured very little for Newcastle this season.
He’s made just 13 appearances so far and scored one goal.
It could be that Newcastle have reportedly taken this particular decision simply to protect Gayle’s value, and that the plan is to sell him at the end of the season.
There is also the uncomfortable possibility of the club dropping into the Championship, which is where Gayle has a proven track record (59 goals in 100 games across stints with Peterborough, Newcastle and West Bromwich Albion).
The news has got lots of Toon fans talking this morning.
It appears many believe a new contract for Gayle suggests the club are already preparing for life in the Championship:
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