Nottingham Forest target Dwight Gayle is “unlikely” to sign for a Championship club this month, according to reports.
A number of teams, including the Reds, are believed to be eyeing up a move for the Newcastle United striker in the January transfer window.
After a successful season on loan at West Bromwich Albion last term, Gayle has struggled for regular game time back at St James’ Park, making just eight appearances so far, without finding the back of the net.
The Magpies are said to have slapped a £15m pricetag on the 29-year-old, while it is said the man himself would prefer a permanent deal rather than another loan switch.
According to the Northern Echo, though, it is doubtful Gayle will end up in the second tier.
They say: “Gayle is understood to be keen to leave Tyneside this month in an attempt to secure regular first-team football, but while he is attracting plenty of interest from the Championship, the financial practicalities of any deal make it unlikely he will be heading to the second tier.
“Newcastle will want to recoup the majority of the £15m they spent to sign Gayle if they are to sell him permanently this month, and will only agree to a loan if any temporary employer was to commit to paying the striker’s £50,000-a-week wages in full.
“While the likes of Nottingham Forest and Leeds United have been linked with a possible move, it is hard to see how either could make those sums add up.”
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce has previously said he hopes Gayle remains in the north east, but it has been reported the club won’t let the front man go unless they have a replacement back-up striker.
