Both West Bromwich Albion and Nottingham Forest are interested in a deal for Newcastle United outcast Dwight Gayle when the January transfer window reopens, according to The Telegraph's Mike McGrath.
Gayle has made three cameo appearances in the Premier League for the Magpies this season and it appears that Eddie Howe does not see him as part of his plans going forward, with Newcastle set to make the 32-year-old available on a loan deal.
That would also include an obligation to buy the experienced striker, whose contract expires in the summer of 2024 at St. James' Park, should the team that acquires him be promoted to the Premier League this season.
Forest reportedly explored a similar deal in January 2020 when they were in the Championship play-off places but nothing came to fruition - West Brom though are a club that Gayle already has history with.
Gayle spent the 2018-19 season on loan at The Hawthorns and was prolific, scoring 24 goals in 41 appearances for Albion and he could potentially head back there for a second stint if Valerien Ismael's side win the race for his signature.
The Verdict
Gayle scores goals at Championship level - it's as simple as that - and he could provide a big boost in the second half of the season for both West Brom or Forest.
He may be 32 years old now and has not had much game-time at Newcastle recently, but Gayle if match-fit can be a real asset in the Championship still.
Forest do already have two strikers over the age of 30 but Lyle Taylor isn't a prolific scorer - Lewis Grabban is back in form again however it would be nice to have a third option and Gayle would surely fit the bill in terms of a goalscorer.
It could be the Baggies where he would like to return to though - a place where he's had success before and it's a club that needs a real injection of fire-power even though they could do with a more physical number nice.
There will surely be more clubs joining the hunt as well and it could be a very interesting transfer race for Gayle when it's all said and done.