Sky Bet Championship side Stoke City are interested in signing Newcastle United for a club-record fee this summer, according to reports from The Sun (June 19, page 50).

The 28-year-old enjoyed a hugely impressive season on loan with West Bromwich Albion last season, and certainly lived up to expectations after spearheading the Baggies into the play-off places.

The prolific forward netted 24 goals in a total of 41 appearances for Albion last term, but due to his high wage demands, the West Midlands club have chosen not to sign the attacker on a permanent basis next summer.

Reports have emerged, though, claiming that Stoke are interested in signing Gayle this summer, as Nathan Jones looks to add even more firepower to his side's attacking armory this summer.

The Standard reports that Newcastle are holding out for £20million for Gayle, with two years still left on his current deal at St. James' Park, meaning that the Potters would have to surpass the £18.3million fee they paid for Giannelli Imbula in 2016.

Stoke have already been linked with Millwall forward Lee Gregory, with Jones also bringing in Sam Vokes from Burnley in January to partner Benik Afobe up top.

The Verdict

This is a transfer story that is likely to send shockwaves right through the Championship should a deal materialise.

If you want guaranteed goals in the Championship, then Gayle is your man, having been so prolific for West Brom last season, as well as for Newcastle in their title-winning campaign back in 2017.

But Stoke spent huge last summer under Gary Rowett, and it quickly went downhill, and it was clear to see throughout the season that there was just a total imbalance in that squad.

What a strikeforce Vokes, Afobe, Gregory and Gayle would be, though...