Despite being fit again, Dwight Gayle has failed to break into the Newcastle side, and the Birmingham Mail report West Brom are tipped to sign the striker in January.
Gayle has managed just five minutes of football for the Magpies, since returning to fitness in October, and has failed to get off the bench in either of the last two games, as Steve Bruce prefers to use Andy Carroll as his impact substitute.
It means a move away from St James’ Park seems almost inevitable for the forward, and having had a successful loan spell at the Hawthorns last season, a move to the Baggies would likely interest the former Crystal Palace player.
Of course, it is doubtful that Gayle would be open to another loan move, with him preferring a permanent deal, but if a temporary switch had a commitment to buy after certain appearance conditions are met, it may be enough to tempt him.
Gayle is often seen as a Championship goal-scorer
Gayle, of course, has a reputation for being a prolific goal-scorer in the Championship, but has failed to transfer that consistency to the Premier League, with his goal-scoring statistics showing a sharp contrast between the two divisions.
But Albion are only interested in reaching the top flight, and if Gayle’s goals could help them achieve that, they may well be in a better position to give him an opportunity to show he can do well in the Premier League.
Newcastle should be actively hoping for a decent sized bid for the striker, provided any funds received can be used by Steve Bruce to further strengthen the team, especially in the attacking department.
Bruce is thought to have a budget available in January, and if that can be bolstered by £15-20 million by selling Gayle, it would seem a no-brainer to cash in.
Time will tell whether West Brom can finance a deal, but it certainly seems like the early moves for players is starting to hot-up as Christmas approaches.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
