West Brom have made the decision to not sign Dwight Gayle on a permanent deal from Newcastle in the summer, with his loan spell set to conclude at The Hawthorns. 

Gayle has been in impressive form this season for the Baggies and played a key role as they finished inside the top six, with 24 league goals to his name in this year's campaign.

In an interview with BBC West Midlands, West Brom's technical director, Luke Dowling issued his thoughts on the matter.

"Dwight's contract is a Premier League contract," Albion technical director Luke Dowling told BBC West Midlands.

"We will pay Premier League contracts but only when we are back in the Premier League.

"I know it won't be the news Albion fans want to hear, but they need to trust us and know we are doing everything right for this football club."

The majority of the West Brom supporters will have been keen to see the 28-year-old remain at the club.

It does leave the Baggies thin on options in the striking department, with Jay Rodriguez and Hal Robson-Kanu being the only recognised senior options.

West Brom are also without a permanent manager, with James Shan likely to be replaced in the near future.

Shan took the Baggies into the play-offs, but they were beaten on penalties by Aston Villa, a game in which Gayle was absent for after being sent off in the first-leg of the tie.

The Verdict: 

I'm not sure they've made the right call here.

Gayle has been hugely impressive for the Baggies this season, and I would have thought that it would be a no-brainer to sign him permanently in the summer.

With Rondon also set to depart, West Brom are going to be thin on options up-front this season, which will be a real concern for their incoming permanent manager.