Dwight Gayle is no doubt a menace at Championship level but if Leeds are interested in him as TEAMtalk claim, then it would be a risky signing by the club.
With any signing, the main fear is that they will not replicate the same form they showed at former clubs. In Gayle’s case, he is a consistent Championship performer, his injury record is good, and he still has age on his side.
However, as suggested by TEAMtalk, even if Leeds did want him they would be unlikely to afford his £55,000-a-week wages. Newcastle are said to be interested in Kalvin Phillips and Jack Clarke, but naturally, a possible swap deal does not entice the club.
Therefore his signing would mean Andrea Radrizzani would have to drastically increase the budget, but it could be worth it for a player who has scored 46 goals in his last 71 Championship games.
But imagine Gayle did come to Yorkshire. He would likely score goals in the Championship, goals which could even take us to promotion. But what then? Gayle has never produced the same results in the top tier, so should we really be going after players who are unsuitable for our long-term ambitions?
Wages would be better spent on players with Premier League potential – the calibre of Tammy Abraham and Mason Mount, who excelled in loan spells this season. We need to plan for our long-term future, not just for tomorrow.