Stoke City could miss out on Dwight Gayle with the striker determined to prove himself at current club Newcastle United.

The 29-year-old spent last season at West Brom in the Championship and showed once again why he is considered one of the most lethal players around in the second tier by scoring 24 goals as Albion reached the play-offs.

Therefore, it was no surprise to see a lot of interest in the player and reports suggested that the Potters were preparing a £20m bid for the ex-Crystal Palace man.

However, the Daily Star have revealed that Gayle could choose to stay at St. James' Park as he looks to establish himself as a regular on Tyneside and in the Premier League.

Even though current Magpies boss Rafa Benitez sanctioned the strikers loan to West Brom last season, the report states that Gayle believes he can still win a place in the squad under the Spaniard.

Benitez' contract with Newcastle is due to expire at the end of the month and his future remains unclear.

The Verdict

You have to feel sorry for Gayle as it doesn't seem as though he has had a fair chance to show his talent at Newcastle.

Anyone who saw him play last season for Albion will have seen just how good he is in the Championship, a league where he has guaranteed goals over the course of his career.

So, you can see why Stoke are interested but if the player wants to stay then they will have to move on to other targets.

But, if he doesn't have a future then a move may appeal to play regularly, although that won't be decided for a while yet as we still don't know who will be in charge of Newcastle next season.

Thoughts? Let us know in the comments below.