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.
READ MORE: Newcastle owner Amanda Staveley's heartening chats with Premier League chiefs
A focus on bolstering Howe’s attacking options for the remainder of the window means Gayle has likely played his last game as a Newcastle player. When asked about the possibility of signing the United outcast, Wilder stayed coy but refused to rule out a move.
"There are a whole host of names we will get linked with,” he said. “It is such a competitive market. Every club is after players who can make a difference and who can score 20 to 25 goals, we have to be creative.
"We will be competitive and we are looking around. There is a huge gap at the top of the pitch. We need a squad with depth and quality that gets us where we want to be which is in and around the top of the division."
"We would all love to be in the position where there are two or three more bodies in the football club. We have to be patient. It is a small market and we are after quality.
"It is no good going and getting someone and then not getting someone you really want."
We want to hear your thoughts, so LOG IN and leave your comment below
READ NEXT
Newcastle remain in dialogue for Gordon as Dan Ashworth holds high level talks
Matty Longstaff to leave as Eddie Howe informs stars to train with reserves
Dwight Gayle offered to Middlesbrough after striker told to train with reserves
Steve Nickson flies to Brazil to run rule over Gabriel Barbosa and Santos kid
Newcastle's Moussa Diaby refusal and the dream being sold to transfer targets
