Stoke City are continuing to pursue a deal to bring Dwight Gayle back to the Sky Bet Championship as Gary Rowett looks to strengthen his striking options.

According to a report in the Mirror, Rowett is keen to lure Gayle away from Newcastle United this summer, as he looks to put a squad together that is capable of bouncing back following relegation from the Premier League.

Gayle has been with Newcastle for two years now, scoring 29 goals for the Magpies.

23 of those goals came during the 2016/17 campaign, when Gayle helped to fire Newcastle to the Championship title under Rafa Benitez.

There is no further update on Rowett’s attempt to secure Gayle’s signature, but Stoke are edging closer to adding another attacker to their squad in the form of Benik Afobe.

Reports this morning from John Percy at the Telegraph confirmed that Stoke are closing in on Afobe’s signature, with the 25-year-old set to complete a £12m transfer today.

Wolves only signed Afobe permanently 12 days ago, but Nuno Santo is willing to move the striker on, with Stoke set to be the Championship side to benefit.

During the second-half of last season, Afobe scored six goals to help Wolves to promotion.

The Verdict

Adding Gayle to his squad would be a major coup for Rowett, particularly when you consider the impact the 27-year-old had last time he was in the Championship.

It might take some convincing to get Gayle out of Newcastle, but a deal is worth chasing, particularly with Stoke able to fall back on the looming deal for Afobe.

Stoke fans… Let us know your thoughts!