Four clubs express interest in Newcastle United’s striker, but one club wants him now.
Newcastle United are expected to navigate the loan market due to limited funds being available for permanent transfers during this window. However, a few potential departures from Tyneside could see that transfer budget increase to make at least one permanent signing.
The latest reports across a wide range of media outlets claim that Rolando Aarons has one foot out the door as he nears a move to Huddersfield Town, and defender DeAndre Yedlin could be off to Turkey or the United States.
However, the most interesting deal that Newcastle United have received this month comes from Premier League outfit Fulham and it is for Dwight Gayle.
According to a new report published by the Daily Mail, Fulham are desperate for adding more strikers with Premier League experience to their squad and they have identified Gayle as a top target. The 30-year-old only has six months left on his contract, which would make him a free signing this summer, but Fulham are willing to spend some money to secure his services immediately.
The report claims that Fulham have offered a small fee up front and would increase that transfer fee in the summer if Gayle helps keep the relegation-threatened side in the top flight. The report does not mention whether or not Newcastle United have entertained this offer, or if they plan to negotiate such a deal.
Three clubs in the Middle East are taking the patient approach as they will wait for Gayle’s contract to expire before pursuing the stirker. Newcastle United have negotiated and completed several internal contract extensions, including some for aging players, but Gayle’s name has not been mentioned in that discussion, which bodes well for Fulham and their unique offer.
Analyzing the Situation
Gayle would be a perfect fit for Fulham, and there is no doubt that he would be the primary candidate to lead their front line. Scott Parker is not a defensive-minded manager and this would help Gayle get more service in the penalty area.
Newcastle United should have played Gayle much more than they have, especially after he fully recovered from an injury he picked up in preseason. The Englishman has not started a single game this season despite being more effective than both Joelinton and Andy Carroll.
For some odd reason, Steve Bruce does not seem to value the striker that scored four goals to conclude last season. With that being the case the front office should accept Fulham’s offer to at least get something for his services rather than letting him walk for free this summer.