Stoke City have hit a brick wall in their quest to sign Dwight Gayle from Newcastle United this summer.

Gary Rowett is a big admirer of Gayle and has been keen to add the striker to his Stoke City squad ahead of their return to the Sky Bet Championship.

However, according to a report from the Mirror’s live transfer blog (28/06, 22:16), Stoke are struggling to get close to completing a deal for the Newcastle striker, having hit a brick wall in their attempt to lure Gayle out of St James’ Park.

The striker has been with the Magpies for the last two years, enjoying a hugely successful spell in the North East.

He was signed by Rafa Benitez ahead of Newcastle’s return to the Championship, with the striker scoring 23 goals for the Magpies, helping to fire Benitez’s side to promotion and the title.

A return to the Premier League was frustrating for the 27-year-old, who in 35 Premier League appearances, only returned six goals and three assists.

It was reported earlier in the month that Stoke had an interest in Gayle, but the striker has shown no desire to leave St James’ Park at this stage of the summer.

The Verdict

It’s frustrating for Stoke that they can’t make progress in a deal for Gayle, as he is clearly a major target for Rowett.

For now, a deal doesn’t look to be going anywhere, but there is still plenty of the summer to go and things could change quickly.

It might be worth Stoke continuing to knock at the door.

Will Stoke sign Gayle? Let us know your thoughts!