Steve Bruce has insisted that he is not willing to let Dwight Gayle leave Newcastle United in the January transfer window, amid reported interest in the striker.

Gayle helped fire the Magpies back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking in 2017, scoring 23 goals in 34 games as they lifted the Sky Bet Championship title.

But the 29-year-old has found game-time hard to come by since their top-flight return, and enjoyed a hugely impressive loan spell at West Bromwich Albion last season.

Gayle netted 24 times in 41 games for the Baggies as they were defeated in the play-off semi-finals, and has since been linked with a move to Nottingham Forest who are also chasing promotion this term.

Can you get 15 out of 15 on this Forest quiz?

The Athletic, via Nottinghamshire Live, claim that Forest is Gayle's most "likely" destination with Leeds United also being linked with his signature - however Steve Bruce's latest comments have cast any potential move in doubt.

Despite making only three appearances this term, Bruce has told the Chronicle: "I don't want to let Dwight Gayle go. I made that pretty clear in the summer -how would I replace him?"

All three of Gayle's appearances have come from off the bench this term, but it seems that he is still of real importance to Newcastle and to Bruce as he looks to guide the Magpies away from the relegation zone.

The Verdict

This is a massive blow for Nottingham Forest.

Gayle would have been a superb signing for the Reds, and it would have been a massive boost for them if they were to land a proven goalscorer in January to aid their promotion push.

It could be a blessing disguise, though. Yes, they need another striker to provide competition for Lewis Grabban, but would Gayle have been happy about potentially playing back-up to Grabban?