Here are your Newcastle United evening headlines for Thursday, December 10.
West Brom’s transfer stance on Dwight Gayle
West Bromwich Albion could look to make a move again for Newcastle forward Dwight Gayle, who is out of contract at the end of the season.
After signing with Newcastle in 2016 and firing the Magpies to promotion from the Championship, Gayle spent the 2018/19 season on loan with West Brom, with Salomon Rondon coming the other way in the transfer.
He scored 24 goals in that season, with West Brom losing to Aston Villa in the playoff final.
Steve Bruce admires the 30-year-old and a new deal is not out of the realms of possibility.
Gayle is yet to feature this season through injury.
As Joe Chapman, West Brom correspondent for Birmingham Live, told Chronicle Live: “Financially it wasn't viable but if he was to become a free agent this summer there would be a lot of people at West Brom who would love to take him back, maybe on a pay-as-you-play deal.
“He has had a lot of injuries and not a lot of game-time recently but he is somebody in the right environment who can have quite a bit of success still. He is still fondly remembered among the West Brom fanbase.”
Newcastle fans' plea to Ayoze Perez
Newcastle fans pleaded with Ayoze Perez to return to the north east after the now Leicester City attacker tweeted out his admiration for the club on their 128th birthday.
His message included a series of photos from his time with Newcastle, including winning the 2016/17 Championship title, and it sparked a series of responses from supporters asking the 27-year-old to return.
“We need you and Salomon back,” one fan said. “Miggy is missing you.”
Another added: “Come back, stop teasing me already.”
Perez has played only five Premier League games this season for Brendan Rodger’s team, scoring once.
Government reform which could deal financial blow
The Government are set to review gambling reform in sport which could be a financial blow to Newcastle. Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, Oliver Dowden, said ahead of the review: "While millions gamble responsibly, the Gambling Act is an analogue law in a digital age.
“This comprehensive review will ensure we are tackling problem gambling in all its forms to protect children and vulnerable people. It will also help those who enjoy placing a bet to do so safely.”
Newcastle signed a new long-term sponsorship deal with FUN88 this summer which could now be in jeopardy.
The House of Lords Select Committee recommended that betting firms should be banned from shirt sponsorship by 2023, though the Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, while conceding that more regulation is necessary, questioned whether a blanket ban is the best course of action.
