According to the latest reports from the Northern Echo, Leeds United have made several enquiries for Newcastle United’s striker Dwight Gayle. The Whites have confirmed the exit of last season’s top scorer Kemar Roofe, and we can now expect them to bring in his replacement.
The club are also linked with young Inter Milan forward Facundo Colidio, but someone like Gayle is a proven player at the Championship level.
Bruce on Gayle’s future
However, Steve Bruce has recently indicated that Gayle is in his plans for the summer and we think that Leeds United will find it hard to bring him at Elland Road. The striker didn’t play at all in the pre-season games for the Magpies, and therefore it seemed like he wasn’t going to be in plans for the season. But Bruce has clearly indicated now that they are looking to keep Gayle at the club.
The new Newcastle boss recently said (Leeds Live), ”I want to keep him. As I keep saying, you’re only as good as your strikers. In that area, we need a threat, and Gayle has always been part of my plans. It’s a calf injury, and it’s not reacting to treatment yet, we hoped he’d be ready after China, but he’s gone backwards.”
Will Gayle be a good option for Leeds United?
Gayle can score all kind of goals in and around the box, and he has played a stellar role to get Newcastle United back to the Premier League after they were relegated to the Championship. There is no doubt that his experience of succeeding at this level will be a big plus for the Whites. He is quick, works hard off the ball and is known for his sharp movement. Gayle could be that player who would bring 20-25 goals if he joins Leeds United.
What now for Leeds United?
More reliable update from Phil Hay is that the Whites are looking to sign Ryan Kent who will be moulded to play in a central role. With Bruce keen to hold on to Gayle, we don’t see the move for the English forward happening this summer. United are also linked with Arsenal’s youngster Eddie Nketiah.
However, we can expect some fierce competition for his signature as plenty of clubs would line up to sign him. It remains to be seen now how Marcelo Bielsa will fill the void left by Kemar Roofe as his late exit in this window is definitely a blow for the club.
