Leeds United OUT of Dwight Gayle pursuit but Newcastle United striker 'set' for January move – report

Finances have reportedly ruled Leeds United out of the hunt for Dwight Gayle – but the striker is set for a move back to the Championship in January.
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Newcastle player Dwight Gayle in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on November 30, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Newcastle player Dwight Gayle in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on November 30, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Newcastle player Dwight Gayle in action during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Manchester City at St. James Park on November 30, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

The 29-year-old secured a wage rise in the summer of 2018 in order to facilitate a loan switch for Salomon Rondon, in which Gayle traded place with the Venezuelan frontman at West Brom.

While that trade off worked in keeping Rafa Benitez happy, and got United a proven Premier League performer in Rondon, the return of Gayle has left the Magpies with a major predicament.

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Gayle, Steve Bruce's third choice striker, has just one year left on that deal after this season and is at his most saleable now. But United have struggled to find a buyer willing to stump up around £15million plus his wage packet, which is understood to total more than £55,000 per week.

Leeds United fall into that category, according to a report in the Athletic.

The Whites are reportedly ‘constrained by FFP’ which would rule them out of paying an ‘ultra expensive’ fee as well as Gayle’s wages.

Instead, the report continues suggesting Gayle will head next month to Nottingham Forest, who are another side right in the Championship automatic promotion race.

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Gayle's stock in the second tier is VERY high after 20-plus goal seasons in each of his last two campaigns in the Championship, including last year with West Brom, who are also admirers.

Gayle is yet to start a game for United this season, making just four appearances off the bench.