Nine days into the January transfer window and there hasn’t been a lot of talk about Dwight Gayle leaving.
The striker has struggled to get a game in the Premier League under Steve Bruce, starting just once. That was the defeat at Old Trafford, where Gayle missed a golden chance to put Newcastle in front.
He also missed a sitter away to Burnley, unable to convert Joelinton’s cross and provide the equaliser.
It’s clear that Gayle still has the same problems from his last Premier League campaign. He’s not as ruthless as he is in the Championship, needing multiple opportunities before finding the net.
Last season he netted 23 times for West Brom, proving he’s one of the best in the second tier. A lot of people expected the striker to command a lot of interest from Championship clubs, but that just hasn’t been the case. And if Leeds Live reporter Beren Cross is to be believed, the problem might be his valuation.
The report states that Newcastle want a big contribution to his wages as part of a loan deal, before receiving ‘more than’ £20 million in the summer to make the deal permanent.
The Magpies want too much money for Gayle, and it’s understandable why clubs are reluctant to pay it. While Gayle’s goals might guarantee you promotion, he’s not going to be able to score them in the Premier League the following season.
Newcastle need to get Gayle off the books. He isn’t up to the standard required at St James’ Park, and he’s currently taking up a valuable squad place that could go to a new signing. If we’re serious about selling him this month, we need to half our valuation.
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