A number of clubs are lining up to sign Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, according to a report from Football Insider. 

The lowdown: Surplus to requirements

Signed from Crystal Palace for a reported £10million in 2016 (The Guardian), Gayle has scored 34 times in 122 outings for the Magpies since arriving in the North East.

The 32-year-old was sent out on loan to Championship outfit West Brom in 2018/19, netting 24 goals and providing eight assists in 41 appearances for the Midlands club before returning to St James' Park.

However, Gayle failed to complete 90 minutes at any point last term under either Steve Bruce or Eddie Howe and seems sure to move on during the ongoing transfer window...

The latest: Major interest

As per Football Insider, Birmingham, Huddersfield, Preston, Reading and Millwall are all interested in signing the London-born hitman.

It's claimed that Howe has 'given the green light' for Gayle to move on this summer after the experienced ace was dropped to Under 23s duties.

The report makes no mention of a potential fee, but states that all five Championship suitors have 'registered their interest' in the man hailed as 'magnificent' by Newcastle idol Alan Shearer for a headed goal against West Brom in December 2020.

The verdict: Time to go

Following the big money takeover from PIF, the Toon are shopping in an entirely different transfer market as links with renowned names such as Alexander Isak and Moussa Diaby dominate the speculation this summer.

Last term, Gayle made just nine fleeting outings across all competitions for the Tynesiders without directly contributing to a single goal and is clearly way down the pecking order at St James' Park.

Therefore, under contract until 2024 and valued at £1.35million (Transfermarkt), Dan Ashworth would be wise to cash in on the Englishman now and free up £37,000 per week from the wage bill in the process.