Fulham will be looking to make the most of the ongoing January transfer window in order to advance towards their ambition of securing promotion to the Premier League. The Cottagers are currently placed at the 8th spot in the league standings with 42 points to their name from 27 games with just 1 point separating them from 6th placed Sheffield United.
According to a recent report by Hull Daily Mail, the Cottagers are keen to make a move for Newcastle United striker, Dwight Gayle, before the transfer window closes. Gayle has been targeted by Fulham for quite some time now but considering that Rafael Benitez has merely three senior strikers at his disposal, it wouldn’t be easy for Fulham to prise him out of St. James’ Park.
Gayle dazzled for the Magpies last campaign as he smashed 22 goals in 31 games for his employers. He played an instrumental role in Newcastle United’s promotion to the Premier League as he was thoroughly relied on by Rafael Benitez in the Championship last term. However, he has struggled in the top flight and is clearly lacking his cutting edge up front.
In 20 games, 9 of which have been off the bench, the 27-year-old has found the back of the net merely 3 times and the alarm bells have started to ring regarding his form. Benitez is reported to be reluctant to lose any of his first-team players until a potential replacement is found, but a transfer fee of £15million might tempt Newcastle United to reconsider their resolve.
Gayle has proven his mettle in the English second division and it is probably due to this, that Fulham are so keen to sign him up. He is a fine finisher as he seems to know exactly where the goal is and is good at holding the ball in the final third, something which is really needed to thrive in English football. Besides, his movements on and off the ball are appealing too and no wonder he is still considered a valuable commodity.
He needs the full backing of the manager under whom he plays and a bit of confidence from people around him will go a long way in restoring his form. If his move to the Craven Cottage materialises and Slavisa Jokanovic manages to do the needful as said before, Gayle could be a season-defining acquisition for them. Moreover, having earned a promotion with Benitez’s side last season, the Englishman should be able to inject the winning mentality on his new side provided he makes the move.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
