Report: Aston Villa eye £20m-rated Newcastle striker

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Birmingham Live have claimed that Aston Villa are the latest name to be linked with a move for Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, after he shone on loan at Midlands rivals West Bromwich Albion on loan.

Gayle, 28, scored 24 goals for West Brom last season while on loan from Newcastle, pushing the Baggies into the play-off semi-finals. He even scored against Villa, but West Brom failed to prevent Dean Smith’s side.

Despite his incredible form for the Baggies, West Brom have opted against signing Gayle on a permanent basis with the club confirming that they are unwilling to match Newcastle’s demands for the striker.

Indeed, the Evening Standard have claimed that Newcastle want as much as £20million if they are to sell Gayle, and may be against selling him to another team that are in the Premier League. Fulham are also keen.

TBR’s view

Gayle has proved over the years that he is one of the best Championship goalscorers around, but in the Premier League, he has struggled to find the back of the net.

In the Championship, he has scored 59 goals in 100 games. But in the Premier League, he has managed just 21 strikes in 99 outings.

For £20million, Villa would be better off bringing in Tammy Abraham rather than Gayle.