Dwight Gayle has signed on the dotted line for Stoke City with the striker bringing the curtain down on his time at St James' Park.
The 32-year-old departs on a permanent deal with Newcastle able to negotiate a deal with the Potters despite the experienced forward having two years left on his current deal. Gayle has been told to train with the Under-21 team after barely featured last season.
Gayle, who has signed a two-year contract with Stoke, said: “I’m buzzing to be here and I can’t wait to get started now. There were a few parties that were interested but for me it was about finding a club that was right for me and after speaking to the gaffer and the coaches I heard everything I wanted to hear.”
READ MORE: Dwight Gayle won't get deserved farewell as Newcastle United exit finally arrives
Potters boss Michael O'Neill added: “Dwight’s track record, particularly in the Championship, is exceptional and there were a number of clubs chasing him so we are really delighted he has chosen to join us.”
Toon boss Eddie Howe had been asked about Gayle during the team's stay in Austria last week and said: "I’ve had a couple of conversations with Dwight. At the end of last season, we had a good conversation, and made him aware of the situation, for his own benefit, so he could take his career into its next phase.
"I was very honest with him. I said from day one, from my perspective, I had a great relationship with him, and I love working with him. "He was brilliant for the team last year, and because of all those things, he deserved the utmost respect and honesty from me about the how the future lay for him, and I wanted to give him the best chance to find his next home.
"I really hope he goes on and has a great season next year, and I wish him nothing but success."
In a statement confirming his departure, the club said: "Newcastle United thanks Dwight for his contribution and service to the club, and wishes him well for the future."
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