Leeds United are plotting a January swoop to bring Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle to Elland Road, according to Football Insider.
Whites chiefs are strategising ways they can work the mid-season market to improve Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, amid continued fears Arsenal will recall England U21 striker Eddie Nketiah.
The Gunners inserted a recall clause in Nketiah’s one-season deal that allows the North London outfit to reclaim the striker in January, should he not reach a specified number of minutes at Elland Road before the end of the calendar year.
Gayle is one option the United board will look to acquire if Nketiah does return to the Emirates Stadium, while Liverpool’s Rhian Brewster is also in contention should the Premier League leaders sanction a temporary move for the forward.
Toon fringe star Gayle has been struggling to earn minutes at St. James’ Park since recovering from a calf injury sustained in the summer, initially developed during one of the Magpies’ pre-season sessions while touring China.
The 5 ft 9 hitman was prolific during a loan spell with West Bromwich Albion in the Championship last season, hitting 24 goals in 41 games in all competitions.
Gayle is yet to open his Toon account for the campaign, having only been awarded four substitute appearances totalling 43 minutes under Steve Bruce thus far.
Among his outings from the bench in the Premier League, Gayle has taken an average of 3.3 touches per game, played 0.8 accurate passes and fashioned a total of four shots, per Sofa Score statistics.
He has also won just 33.3% of his ground duels and 25% of his aerial duels, while turning over possession 1.5 times per game.
Newcastle would be open to allowing Gayle to move on from St. James’ Park in January if they receive bids of £15million or more, according to the Telegraph, and are loath to sanctioning a temporary transfer.
Should Orta be pursuing Gayle in January?
Yes, absolutely
No, £15m is too much
Yes, if it's a loan deal
West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest are also understood to be interested in securing his services, though loan deals are expected to be the route Championship sides will initially look to sign Gayle on.
Gayle, himself, has not agitated to leave the Toon just yet, but is keen to move on from the North East as he is not the first-choice striker in Bruce’s plans.
In other Leeds United news, the club expect a 5 ft 11 man will leave Elland Road in January as interest in his services grows.