Dwight Gayle can leave Newcastle United this month, but only if his potential suitor agrees to pay a whopping transfer fee in the summer, a report in the Daily Mail claims.
Championship promotion hopefuls Nottingham Forest want Gayle to add firepower to their play-off bid and the striker is also attracting interest from his former club West Brom, where he bagged 24 goals last term.
While Steve Bruce would reluctantly allow the 29-year-old to leave St James’ Park in the transfer window as he goes in search of regular football, the Premier League outfit would demand the buying club agree to sign him for £20m in the summer, it claims while also paying a big percentage of his wages which are believed to be in the region of £40,000 per week.
That obligation is likely to discourage Forest from doing a deal, given the risk of being saddled with that level of financial commitment should they remain a Championship club.
Bruce admits Gayle’s treatment on Tyneside previously has left the striker frustrated, but does see a future for him in the north east.
“I can see a role for Dwight. I’ve always liked him. Unfortunately, he got injured,” Bruce said.
The ex-Peterborough man meanwhile, has recovered from a hamstring problem which forced him to miss the FA Cup tie at Rochdale a week ago and is fit enough to be involved against Wolves this weekend.
“Whatever happened to him in the past, he hasn’t felt part of the picture, but I started him against Manchester United (on Boxing Day). He was stiff afterwards, because it was his first game for months, but he’s available for the Wolves game.
"Let’s see what that brings.
“He’s a very good player – and a vital part of the squad.
"I understand he might be (frustrated). I wouldn’t expect any different – I’d be the same.
"If you don’t play, you’re not happy.
“It’s part of the job managing that, but he’s going to get his chance.”
