Championship outfit Fulham are closely monitoring Dwight Gayle’s situation at Newcastle United after the striker was told that he is surplus to the requirements of the club. The Magpies, under the tutelage of Rafael Benitez, carved an immediate return back to the Premier League last season, with Gayle proving to be an instrumental figure in the process of the uplift for the Geordies but now, it appears as if Benitez is desirous to strike him off their books.
The Toon have slapped a price tag of £18million on Gayle’s collar, with Leeds United and Fulham being the two favourites to bag the hitman. However, the Cottagers have tabled a bid of £15million, which is quite less than what Newcastle United want at this stroke of hour to let any club prise Gayle out. But Fulham’s bid has made them mull over whether to accept their bid or not, as the summer transfer window is nearing its end.
Gayle emerged through the youth ranks of Arsenal and was then acquired by Stansfed and Dagenham & Redbridge. Subsequently, he started making a buzz after his spells with Petersborough United and Crystal Palace and was eventually signed by Newcastle United last summer. The Englishman banged 22 goals in 31 appearances for the Magpies last season and cultivated a lot of limelight for himself. However, his recurring hamstring injury has been a headache for the former Napoli boss.
Besides, Benitez has signed Joselu from Stoke City this summer and despite being handed a couple of starts in the Premier League so far this season, Gayle has failed to find the back of the net. This leaves him in a pretty awkward situation and this is where Fulham come into the picture. Slavisa Jokanovic has bolstered his attacking arsenal this summer, with the likes of Rui Fonte, Aboubakar Kamara and Sheyi Ojo making a move to the Craven Cottage.
However, he is still not satisfied and wants to add Gayle to his ranks and at the onset, it has to be stated that this deal does make a lot of sense. The 27-year-old was in a fine nick last season and his clinical finishing technique makes him an astute asset for any Championship side. Besides, having helped Newcastle United in clinching the second division title last season, he has the experience of a promotion’s journey and his entry at Fulham will automatically enhance the promotional chances of the London based outfit.
