Dwight Gayle looks set to extend his stay at St. James’ Park and commit to three more years according to the Athletic.
Gayle’s current contract is set to expire at the end of the season, so this means that United won’t lose their striker for nothing.
The news comes as a little bit of a surprise for a few reasons.
Firstly, Gayle cuts a frustrated figure on Tyneside of late and this was shown by him storming off down the tunnel straight after the 3-0 defeat to Brighton, a game which he didn’t get on the pitch.
And it is his lack of game time that has baffled many fans and seemingly upset the striker himself. Bruce has opted for playing without a recognised striker rather than to play Gayle and even though his side have continuously struggled for goals (three in last six games), Bruce is still hesitant to play the former Palace man.
Quick and with excellent movement, Gayle should have been the man to come in for the injured Callum Wilson but unfortunately the Head Coach in his wisdom has opted for Joelinton, a man with three goals to show for his 61 Premier League appearances.
And when actually played, Gayle has been utilised out wide or as a ‘split striker’, rendering him basically useless.
It is surprising that Gayle has decided to sign up and maybe it is on the proviso that he gets more of a look in, in the near future which could only be good news.
Furthermore, it is also a bit surprising as it goes against the club’s own policy as Gayle is on the wrong side of 30.
The report states the contract is on reduced terms, so it seems the club will still save some money as a result of the new deal.
This move is the type of ‘ambition’ we are used to seeing from our club and some have even suggested that we are merely preparing for a season in the Championship with the new contract.
Gayle may not have cut it in the top flight but he is a deadly forward in the Championship and he bagged 23 goals in 32 appearances for the magpies in our last Championship winning campaign.
The club are still yet to officially announce the new deal but it’s looking increasingly likely that Gayle is set to extend his stay at the club.