Newcastle United transfer news: Striker and defender linked with Magpies move plus Steve Bruce names Dwight Gayle asking price

The 30-year-old left Watford in 2017, swapping Vicarage Road for the Chinese Super League, but is now reportedly keen to return to the Premier League.

And according to TEAMtalk, United are one of a number of top flight clubs looking to bring the striker back to England.

The report states: “Watford have been contacted over a potential deal to bring Ighalo back to Vicarage Road and it’s understood their hierarchy have shown an interest. Unfortunately for the Hornets, however, they are not alone in the pursuit.

“Everton, West Ham, Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Southampton have all indicated an interest in taking Ighalo in the New Year and it will likely come down to the striker’s preference with all six clubs reportedly keen to bring him in.”

Ighalo left the Hornets for Changchun Yatai in a reported £20million deal but has since moved to Shanghai Shenhua.

United lack space in their Premier League squad, making a move for Ighalo at this time a stretch. Any moves in the market would mean players had to depart – and rumours of a Dwight Gayle exit refuse to be shaken.

Gayle is available for £15million in January’s transfer window, according to a report in the Telegraph.

Steve Bruce last week claimed that he “didn’t want to lose” Gayle, who spent last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion. Speaking to the Gazette, United’s head coach said: “I can't see him leaving in January, no.”

But the report states a big fee could be enough to convince United to part company, although another loan deal for Gayle is said to be off the table.

And finally, United have been linked with a move for rising League Two star Jarrad Branthwaite.

The Carlisle-born midfielder has been a revelation since breaking into his hometown side – and according to the Sun on Sunday, the Magpies are keeping tabs on the player, along with Southampton and Glasgow Rangers.