North-east rivals Middlesbrough join race for Newcastle outcast Gayle

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Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle is wanted by their north-east rivals Middlesbrough, according to the Daily Star.

Gayle spent last season out on loan in the Championship with West Brom, banging in 24 goals as the Baggies came up short of an instant return to the top flight by losing to Aston Villa in the play-off semi-finals.

But despite that, the report says that the Englishman is not likely to be welcomed back into the Magpies fold for the 2019/20 season – even though Newcastle are desperate for a goalscorer.

And Middlesbrough are apparently looking to bring Gayle, Hull winger Kamil Grosicki and Barnsley manager Daniel Stendel to the Riverside Stadium in order to give their promotion hopes a shot in the arm next term.

Gayle has never been given a fair crack of the whip in the top flight with either Crystal Palace or Newcastle, but he is a player who knows where the net is.

Even having him as an impact sub off the bench is surely better than selling him to a rival. Shipping Gayle off to West Brom might have made sense if it helped lure Salomon Rondon – but otherwise Rafa Benitez should keep him around.

He’s the best out-and-out striker currently on the books at St James’ Park – Ayoze Perez is more of a number 10 and Rondon remains contracted to WBA. That’s why he deserves a shot at Newcastle redemption next season.