Steve Madeley details likelihood of West Brom signing Dwight Gayle this month
It is becoming increasingly unlikely that West Brom will re-sign Dwight Gayle from Newcastle United this month, according to The Athletic journalist Steve Madeley.
Gayle, 29, scored 24 goals in 41 appearances across all competitions during his season-long loan at The Hawthorns last season and the former Crystal Palace striker has been linked with a return to the Black Country in the January transfer window.
The Telegraph reported in November that the Baggies were keen on a reunion with the prolific centre-forward but since then he has become increasingly key to Steve Bruce’s side at St James’ Park.
Madeley, speaking via a live Q&A session on The Athletic’s website on Friday, has effectively ruled out a second West Brom deal for Gayle.
When asked if Gayle would be back at The Hawthorns by the time February comes around, the journalist said: “No… There’s your one-word answer. Longer explanation: It’s not beyond the realms of possibility but I’d say it’s increasingly unlikely for a number of reasons.”
Gayle has only made eight appearances in the Premier League for Newcastle this season but missed the first couple of months due to injury and has had to cope with being down the pecking order behind Joelinton and Andy Carroll.
However the 29-year-old has made an impact in his appearances off the bench and even started in the defeat to Manchester United on Boxing Day.
It is probably time that West Brom fans move on from Gayle and start casting their mind on other possible striker targets that have been linked with moves to The Hawthorns.
Although Albion are second in the table and are looking good for automatic promotion, their striker options need to be improved upon with Charlie Austin, Hal Robson-Kanu and Kenneth Zohore, between them, not providing enough goals.
In other West Brom news, Albion could try to cut their losses on this £8million player at the end of the season.