Dwight Gayle’s name has, rather unsurprisingly, been thrown back into the mix as Nottingham Forest seek to identify striking transfer targets.
According to The Athletic, the Newcastle frontman is back on the Reds’ radar.
It is not the first time that such a move has been mooted, with Gayle a proven performer at Championship level.
He is precisely the kind of frontman that Forest should be after.
It would come as a shock if questions were not being asked of those at St James’ Park heading towards the January window.
Sabri Lamouchi is, however, unlikely to be the only one seeking out Steve Bruce’s mobile number.
And the Magpies boss may decide to start blocking a few calls.
That is because the Newcastle manager is offering no indication that he is prepared to part with Gayle.
Ability
He has told The Chronicle: “What happened last year or the past, I am not really interested in when it comes to Dwight.
“The thing for Dwight is that whatever number he has on his back he’s got the ability to score goals.
“I am delighted that he’s around us because he is a very, very good player. And I am delighted he’s here.
“He can knuckle down now and fight for his chance.”
Gayle has seen just five minutes of Premier League football so far this season.
The 29-year-old would have been hoping for much more after returning to Tyneside on the back of another productive loan spell at West Brom in 2018-19.
He netted 24 times in all competitions last season, having previously starred in the second tier for Peterborough and Newcastle.
Bruce added in the Chronicle: “I have tried to sign Dwight three times but could never afford him.
“It’s vitally important that he stays fit because he reminds me of why I have tried to buy him that many times.
“In training, I get those reminders as his finishing is excellent, excellent!
“I am delighted to have him. He’s booming around the training ground and again he gives me another option which is good.”
Firepower
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Those comments would appear to suggest that Forest, or any other suitor, face a serious stumbling block in any bid to bring Gayle on board.
There are, however, several weeks before the winter window swings open and the picture could alter dramatically before then.
The Magpies may also decide that they want to dip back into the market for more firepower.
Gayle can also be expected to push for a switch if he remains on the fringes of the fold at his parent club.
That could play into the hands of interested parties, with Forest certainly in need of another proven goalscorer.
Rafa Mir fluffed his lines when covering for the rested Lewis Grabban at Wigan, with the Reds over-reliant on one frontman at present.
Landing Gayle could prove to be a masterstroke, a decision which fires Lamouchi’s men towards promotion back into the Premier League.
Securing his services will not be easy, though, and patience looks like being the order of the day.
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