The Chronicle reported that Stoke City may be readying themselves to launch a £20 million bit for Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle.
With a host of clubs being rumoured to be interested in the player this summer, including Fulham, West Brom and Middlesbrough, a permanent parting of the ways between Newcastle and Gayle looks likely.
With Newcastle’s manager probably having to increase any available transfer funds through player sales, the prospect of receiving £20m for a striker that struggles for Premier League goals is more than tempting.
Newcastle fans will hope that West Brom will be his permanent home, with them also hoping that Salomon Rondon be included in any deal.
Gayle funds could be used to bring Rondon back to Tyneside
But even if he went elsewhere, the money received could still fund a package for Newcastle’s player of the season last campaign.
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Gayle’s ability in the second tier is unquestioned, with his goals firing Newcastle back to the Premier League a few years ago, and helping West Brom reach the play-offs last season.
The talked about fee is a lot of money for Championship clubs to fork out, but with the riches on offer should promotion be achieved, then it will seem like a drop in the ocean.
Certainly Stoke fans are largely hoping it will happen. Here are a few of their reactions from Twitter.