Newcastle United are moving ahead with a proposed £10million deal to sign Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle. The Daily Mail understands that Rafa Benitez hopes to sign the 25-year-old, but Fulham are also interested in the pacey forward as well.
It is believed that Ross McCormack can leave Craven Cottage for £12million this summer. Aston Villa, Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City and Newcastle are said to be in the running. Therefore, Slavisa Jokanovic has identified Gayle as a potential replacement.
The player is set to have a medical with Newcastle according to Sky Sports. Therefore, he is likely to join the Magpies. Fulham will still keep tabs on the situation.
BREAKING: Sky sources: Dwight Gayle is set to have a medical at Newcastle: https://t.co/Au3HjRu4aX https://t.co/VYSwcx9ep1
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) June 29, 2016
It isn’t expected to be the only deal involving the two clubs this summer as well. Crystal Palace are plotting a move for Andros Townsend, and the Eagles are set to expose a release clause in the players’ contract. Townsend however is said to prefer to remain at St James’ Park.
Nevertheless, the fact of the matter is that Gayle is wanted by Newcastle. In three-years at Palace to date, he has only scored fifteen goals. However when it is remembered he has only started 27 league games, that is a decent return. He has mainly been used as an impact substitute at Selhurst Park.
The Walthamstow-born frontman may feel dropping down a league will see him enjoy more regular opportunities. However, he did turn down a move to Championship side Bristol City this time last season.
