West Brom and Nottingham Forest dealt apparent transfer blow as manager makes admission on rumoured target | OneFootball

West Brom and Nottingham Forest have seemingly been dealt a blow in their hopes of signing Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle.

That’s after Newcastle manager Eddie Howe claimed that he believes Gayle can have a big part to play for the Magpies moving forward.

It was recently reported by The Telegraph that both West Brom and Forest are interested in a move for Gayle ahead of the January transfer window, as they look to strengthen their attacks.

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Now however, it seems those two Championship clubs could be left disappointed by any potential pursuit of Gayle, judging by Howe’s latest comments on the 32-year-old.

Speaking about his plans for Gayle going forward amid those transfer links, the new Magpies boss was quoted by The Chronicle as saying: “What I have seen is someone who can certainly score goals, is a brilliant finisher.

“I think he’s got real competition because I think Callum (Wilson) and Dwight are very similar players, in a sense that they both lead the line. So Dwight will have an important role.”

Following a prolific loan spell with West Brom in the 2018/19 season, Gayle has made just 41 Premier League appearances in over two seasons since his return to Newcastle, scoring five goals for the Magpies in those games.

There are around two-and-a-half years remaining on Gayle’s contract with Newcastle, securing his future at St James’ Park until the end of the 2023/24 season.

The Verdict

This will no doubt be rather frustrating for those of both a West Brom and Nottingham Forest persuasion.

Both clubs certainly look as though they could benefit from some attacking reinforcements, and Gayle has previously proven he can make a big impact in front of goal in the Championship.

Given Gayle has struggled for game time at Newcastle recently, the fact that Howe is now hinting at an important role for the striker also seems rather surprising.

Indeed, with the money that Newcastle now have to spend following their recent takeover, you might have expected potential new signings to have pushed Gayle towards the exit at St James’ Park.