Alan Nixon delivers transfer update on West Brom-linked striker with ‘huge’ wages
West Brom received a significant blow in their pursuit of Dwight Gayle as journalist Alan Nixon reports Newcastle are in no rush to loan out the striker.
The 31-year-old had a successful spell at Albion in 2018/19, leading to speculation last month that the Baggies were keen to sign him once more.
However, Gayle’s contract expires in the summer and with Newcastle looking over their shoulders a little at relegation, it seems as though they don’t wont to lose him.
Nixon also suggests that Gayle is on “huge” wages, and that could limit West Brom in their attempts to bring the striker in on loan.
A blessing in disguise
There are multiple reasons why this is the wrong move to make, not least the financial costs involved.
Sam Allardyce is in desperate need for a new striker after Charlie Austin departed on loan.
Karlan Grant and Hal Robson-Kanu are out injured, while Callum Robinson has only three goals in 18 games this season.
Despite that, Gayle should not be signed.
He does not fit the mould of a Big Sam player, and since the attacker is heavily reliant on service he risks being isolated like other Baggies strikers have been this term.
To add to that, while he is a bit of a cheat code in the Championship, the striker has scored just 26 goals in 123 Premier League games, so is hardly the saviour West Brom require at this time.
Luke Dowling and Allardyce must look beyond Gayle, and target a forward who could add to West Brom’s all-round game as well as providing goals.
In other West Brom news, Chris Sutton has made a big claim about a key Albion figure.