Leeds United Plotting January Move for Newcastle United Forward Dwight Gayle

​Leeds United are set to approach Newcastle United over the availability of striker Dwight Gayle as the Whites look to secure a deal for him in January.

The forward has made only four appearances for the Magpies this term, having spent last season on loan with West Brom in the Championship. Though he was unable to help the Baggies' seal promotion, Gayle enjoyed a stellar year in the Midlands as he struck 24 goals from his 41 games in all competitions.

​Football Insider claim the 28-year-old is one of several players being monitored by ​Leeds, who are concerned by suggestions ​Arsenal could recall striker Eddie Nketiah from his loan spell ahead of time.

The Gunners academy graduate is yet to start a ​Championship match following his move to Yorkshire, with the Londoners' interim manager Freddie Ljungberg admitting he has been disappointed with Marcelo Bielsa's treatment of the forward, as per the ​Mirror.

Ljungberg's comments have increased the likelihood Nketiah will leave the Whites next month, meaning they must find a replacement, or leave themselves bare up to in their promotion bid. Leeds sit second in the division, five points clear of Fulham in third.

Assuming Leeds want to give themselves the best chance of being promoted come May, they will be looking at players with a proven record in the Championship, and they could do far worse than Gayle in that regard.

The Englishman has spent three seasons in the second-tier, netting a total of 59 goals in 100 appearances. That is the kind of finishing ability Bielsa will need to keep the Whites in contention, especially after Patrick Bamford's struggles in the early stages of this campaign.

Given the his lack of game-time at St James' Park, it should prove easier to land the Magpies frontman than many of the alternatives, including ​Liverpool starlet Rhian Brewster.

​Newcastle are thought to be open to him making a permanent exit, though a loan offer from Leeds may prove problematic. Even if they have to pay a fee for his services, it's unlikely Gayle will cost more than the Whites can afford.

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