Chris Wilder has refused to rule out a move for Newcastle United forgotten man Dwight Gayle. Eddie Howe has made it clear the 32-year-old is not part of his plans for the upcoming campaign by ordering him, alongside Ciaran Clark and Jeff Hendrick, to train with the U23 setup.
Toon chiefs are focusing on outgoings as much as incomings due to a crippling wage bill increase in recent months. An enormous 33-man first-team squad needs trimming to just 25 to align with Premier League regulations and, with more arrivals expected, Howe needs to shift surplus players on or risk having unhappy campers around the training ground next season.
Middlesbrough have made no secret of their desire to sign a striker and are linked with a move to Gayle. Despite signing a three-year extension at St James’ Park last summer, the former number nine played just 34 minutes of top-flight football last year.
