Newcastle want Crystal Palace striker Dwight Gayle to lead them back to promised land
He could drop out of Premier League in search of regular first-team action in Championship with relegated Magpies
DWIGHT Gayle could be the man to spearhead relegated Newcastle’s push for an immediate return to the Premier League.
The Magpies are keen to lure the 25-year-old Crystal Palace striker to the North-East and will pay £10million to get him.
And it could be a move that Gayle is yearning for given his limited opportunities at Selhurst Park.
Gayle has started just eight league games since boss Alan Pardew took over at the Eagles.
He was the club’s top-scorer in all competitions for the second consecutive year last season with seven in 20 games, but he wants regular first-team football.
Toon boss Rafa Benitez will be able to offer him what he wants as he needs a regular proven goal-scorer, something the Geordies have been lacking in.
And Gayle has already showed his credentials in the Championship before, scoring 13 goals in 29 games for Peterborough United before joining Palace.
But Newcastle will face competition for Gayle, with the other relegated club's, Aston Villa and Norwich, both showing interest.
Newcastle chief Benitez also has Bournemouth's Matt Ritchie on his radar.