When Newcastle United were struggling in the first-half of the season it was strange to see them toiling in front of goal and refusing to use a player with over 100 career goals at a rate of better than one every three games.
Dwight Gayle signed a contract extension with the Magpies last summer, and yet, I’d bet the 32-year old striker would want to have that decision back after featuring for barely 100 minutes throughout the whole campaign despite being fully fit.
With Newcastle looking to kick on and undoubtedly bring in new players he should be allowed to leave without the need for a fee.
In the past I’ve looked at Rangers need to identify someone who can fill the third striker role at Ibrox, we are currently making do with Fashion Sakala who seems more comfortable starting from wider positions when he is contributing to the attack rather than being the focal point, but we really need to recruit better for the role when the transfer window opens.
With Cedric Itten seemingly on his way out, Gayle could be a decent option. He’s at the stage of his career where he won’t be expecting to play every game but still sharp enough to contribute when he does, he also has plenty experience of playing on his own and in physical leagues.
I’d certainly trust him to come into games against teams like St Mirren and be able to get a goal or two and that is what we need, a striker that can be rotated with our first choice forwards or come off the bench if we need extra firepower.
It’s not an easy position to recruit for because you need someone competent but they also have to be willing to accept their role, given how little he is playing at the moment, Gayle would probably jump at the chance.