Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez has confirmed that Dwight Gayle, on loan at West Brom, is still very much in his thoughts.

Gayle has been on the bench for the last couple of outings, but he's scored nine times since his summer loan move to the Hawthorns. Despite being allowed to leave in the summer, the former Liverpool manager has revealed he is keeping the striker in his sights.

“For sure. I have said before he was a great player for us in the Championship. He did well in the Premier League too but had injuries,” he was quoted by the Chronicle.

“He is a player that did good things. We know all about his movement and runs behind the defenders. That was really important for us. We're keeping an eye on him."

West Brom are currently fourth in the Championship table, three points short of leaders Norwich City, but benefitting immensely from the goals of 28-year-old Gayle.

He joined the Baggies on loan from Newcastle in the summer, with Salomon Rondon moving in the opposite direction. Rondon has two Newcastle goals to his name from six Premier League starts.

Gayle will be hoping for a return to first team action this weekend as West Brom host Brentford in Monday's televised game.

The Verdict

Dwight Gayle is a super player at Championship level, but has rarely succeeded in the top flight and seems unable to find the right level.

Newcastle don't spend big sums of money though, so to have a player belonging to them in such terrific form in the division below is a big boost.

It'll be nice for Gayle to hear the manager's comments too, knowing he might be given a second chance in the northeast.

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