Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle is having a very productive time of it back in the Championship in the season of 2018/19 following his season-long loan move to West Bromwich Albion.
Sending Gayle in the direction of The Hawthorns, we gained Salomon Rondon in return in a bit of a convoluted arrangement, and whilst the 28-year-old has his critics at St James’ Park given his Premier League goalscoring return, there are those who felt that manager Rafa Benitez could’ve more played to the former Crystal Palace man’s strengths better.
With nine goals across 17 games, Gayle is in good form and confidence but there are those who want to see him return to add extra punch up front in January, despite our own form turning slightly of late.
It’s obvious that Newcastle will be keeping tabs on his progress, but speaking to the Chronicle Benitez certainly didn’t sound like the door was close on the player.
“For sure. I have said before he was a great player for us in the Championship. He did well in the Premier League too but had injuries. He is a player that did good things. We know all about his movement and runs behind the defenders. That was really important for us. We’re keeping an eye on him.”
Praising his performances in the top-flight and offering the injury excuse could be quite telling.