Newcastle United striker 'set for surgery' amid Callum Wilson interest

Gayle suffered a knee injury in last month’s friendly win over Crewe Alexandra, and the striker will have surgery tomorrow to repair damaged knee ligaments, according to the Daily Mail.

The 29-year-old – who hit form in the Premier League late last season and is in the final year of his contract at St James’s Park – will be reportedly sidelined for up to 12 weeks.

Newcastle are yet to make any comment on Gayle’s injury.

Gayle’s injury has added urgency to United’s efforts in the transfer market this summer. The club is keen on Bournemouth’s Callum Wilson, and a player-plus-cash deal which would see Matt Ritchie return to his former club has been discussed. Aston Villa have had a £15million bid for 28-year-old Wilson rejected.