Rafa Benitez has had some kind words for on loan striker Dwight Gayle and admitted that he has been impressed with the 28-year-old's spell in the Championship.

The manager thus appears to be exploring the option of having the striker back at the club when his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion finishes.

Speaking to the Chronicle, the Newcastle United boss confirmed that he is keeping a sharp eye on Gayle who made the move to West Brom in the summer for the season, with Baggies forward Salomon Rondon making a similar move, just in the opposite direction.

And although Rondon has been hitting the target in recent matches, that have seen the Magpies change their season around with three consecutive victories in the Premier League, the same can't be said about Gayle, who has been featuring as a substitute lately.

Despite scoring nine goals so far this season and providing five assists, Albion boss Darren Moore revealed that the former Crystal Palace player's form has been the reason behind him sitting on the bench in the club's previous three matches.

The report also indicates that due to Gayle's loan deal not including the option of a permanent move, the outcome of West Brom's season would be the indicator as to if the striker intends on staying at the Hawthorns or making a return to the North East.

Should Moore's men earn promotion to the Premier League next season then the situation could become a bit complex but until then, Benitez is monitoring Gayle's performances and emphasised that he is still of high importance to Newcastle, given the huge role he played in earning the club promotion last year.

'He is a player that did good things. We wish him all the best because the best for him is also the best for us,' said the manager as his side prepares for Saturday's Premier League clash with West Ham United at St James's Park.

Who knows, perhaps Gayle's story on Tyneside has another chapter.