Report – PL club come to decision over future of danger man amid mooted West Brom interest
West Brom will be denied the chance to sign Dwight Gayle this summer, according to the Daily Star.
The Newcastle United striker enjoyed a hugely successful loan spell with the Baggies in 2018/19, scoring 24 goals in all competitions at The Hawthorns.
It is understood that Albion retain an interest in taking him back to the midlands as they look to bolster their striking options ahead of their return to the Premier League next month.
But the Star suggest that Toon boss Steve Bruce is unlikely to allow him to leave anytime soon.
This latest report claims that Gayle will be given an opportunity to spearhead the Magpies’ attack over the coming months, with his manager believing that he could be the man to solve his side’s goalscoring woes.
It is also suggested that the 29-year-old is quite content on Tyneside, and is prepared to see out the final 12 months of his deal in the north east.
In an ideal world, bringing Gayle back would make a lot of sense for West Brom.
After all, he was irrepressible during his spell with the Baggies, and we are in desperate need of striking reinforcements this summer.
But it was always going to be highly unlikely that Bruce would let him go.
The hitman ended the season as Newcastle’s go-to option up front, and without the wealth that a takeover was expected to inject this summer, the Magpies aren’t going to be in much of a position to sign a top-level replacement.
There’s no doubting that Gayle was a hit during his time on loan with Albion, of course.
He averaged 0.33 goals per 90 minutes more than Hal Robson-Kanu did last season, while his shot accuracy, dribble success rate, and xG were all higher too, as per Wyscout.
But it is quite clear that re-signing him is not a realistic option this summer, and with that in mind, West Brom need to find an alternative target pronto.
In other West Brom news, Bilic has identified his top summer target.
Be sure to follow West Brom News on Facebook and Twitter for 24/7 updates on the Baggies and more exclusive interviews with Kevin Phillips.