Newcastle United are yet to receive any official offers for Dwight Gayle this month, but they are unlikely to allow the striker to leave the club for a knockdown price amid reported interest from Fulham and three other clubs, according to Chronicle Live reporter Lee Ryder.
United haven’t had any official offer but wouldn’t let striker go for a knockdown fee despite Fulham interest.
Newcastle faced with Dwight Gayle poser as Fulham ramp up January interest https://t.co/NMauDuypAk #nufc
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) January 6, 2021
Steve Bruce’s side are facing a dilemma over the potential future of Gayle, with the 30-year-old coming towards the end of his current £40,000-a-week deal. The Magpies are reportedly keen to get him to sign a new deal and the £10m forward is also open to signing fresh terms. However, he is likely to demand similar wages to the likes of Jonjo Shelvey, per Chronicle Live.
It has been reported by the Daily Mail that Premier League relegation rivals Fulham could be set to reignite their long-term interest in Gayle this month. The London club hope to test the Magpies’ resolve by offering a small fee now which would increase were they to avoid relegation from the top flight this year. Gulf-based trio Al-Gharafa, Al-Duhail and Al-Shabab are also in the mix for his signature.
Despite that interest in Gayle, Ryder has revealed that Newcastle are unwilling to accept any knockdown fees for the forward this month. That suggests the Magpies are prepared to lose him on a free transfer in the summer rather than let him leave for a Premier League relegation rival whose survival bid he could help to his current club’s detriment.
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This latest update on Newcastle’s stance over Gayle should be encouraging as it means that they will not be tempted into a short cash injection which could inadvertently count against them. Losing the 30-year-old on a free transfer at the end of the season would be nowhere near as costly as potentially being relegated as a result of the London club improving their form and possibly staying up at the Tynesiders’ expense.
Allowing Gayle to join a relegation rival would also run the risk of infuriating many supporters who have already voiced their opposition to any such occurrence.
There is still a chance that the 30-year-old will commit his future to St James’ Park, but Ryder’s report suggests that his wage demands could dissuade the club from taking that option. It could be an interesting next couple of weeks for all concerned and a swift resolution would be preferable for Bruce.
