According to the reports from Daily Star, Leeds United are more or less out of the race to sign Newcastle United’s Dwight Gayle as they are unwilling to meet his wage demands. Reports say that Gayle earns £65,000/week and the signing club will have to pay his full wage.
Along with the Whites, West Brom, Fulham, Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday are also said to be interested. Forest were on the cusp of signing him on loan, but they have been handed a blow after Newcastle wanted them to pay all his wages.
Can things change at the end of the transfer window?
However, the report adds that a compromise might be on the cards at the end of the month with the clock ticking on in the transfer window. Newcastle United are going through a crisis upfront, but they are willing to cut Gayle loose this month if a Championship club are willing to pay his full wages.
Gayle is a proven player at the Championship level, and he had played a stellar role in getting Newcastle United back to the Premier League when they dropped in the English second division. Even last season, the English forward grabbed 24 goals and eight assists for West Brom who made it to the playoffs.
The 29-year-old has struggled with injury this season and Gayle has started just two games in the Premier League so far. Gayle has been one of those strikers who has never really managed to establish himself in the Premier League, but when he plays in the Championship, he looks like a top option.
It is no surprise that quite a few clubs are after his signature, including Leeds United. After losing the services of Eddie Nketiah, the Whites need a striker in this window. Patrick Bamford is the only fit option available for Bielsa. Tyler Roberts has struggled with injuries this season, and it remains to be seen whether he can get back to his best and be available for the second half of the season.
The right decision from Leeds United?
Many feel that signing Gayle might more or less guarantee promotion for the Whites. However, the striker has hardly played this season and has struggled with injuries. Hence, we believe that Whites are right in not deciding to pay all his wages.
A compromise might happen during the end of the transfer window, but United should look to get a striker as soon as possible as they are thin on options upfront. With the latest demands of Newcastle United, it seems unlikely that the Whites would go for the 29-year-old forward.
