Ipswich Town have reportedly joined the race to sign former Stoke City forward Dwight Gayle but face plenty of competition, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The experienced striker had his contract at Stoke City terminated yesterday, which will allow him to move to a new side for the remainder of the season.
Who is Dwight Gayle?
The 34-year-old burst onto the scene with Peterborough United in January 2013, joining for £200,000 but after netting 13 goals in 29 matches, he was snapped up by Crystal Palace for £5,000,000.
He’s since played for the likes of Newcastle United, West Bromwich Albion and Stoke City but became a free agent yesterday after he was unable to secure himself a January exit.
Gayle has made 13 appearances so far this season for the Potters but has registered just one assist and has mainly been a substitute option for Steven Schumacher’s men.
Who else is interested?
According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Ipswich Town have Championship competition from Sheffield Wednesday for the striker.
However, a host of League One sides including Charlton Athletic, Barnsley and Derby County are also in the race. The latter of which, failed to land an experienced striker in January after attempting to land either Lee Gregory or Michael Smith from Sheffield Wednesday.
Why would Ipswich be keen?
Despite landing Welsh international Kieffer Moore on loan from AFC Bournemouth, Ipswich Town have lost George Hurst through injury and is likely to require bodies to secure them a top-two finish this season.
Writer’s View
Gayle is one of the EFL’s best goal scorers to date but has struggled to find consistent minutes for a few seasons now, meaning a drop to League One is more likely.
Ipswich need bodies and Sheffield Wednesday need goals but I don’t think either side will risk bringing in Gayle because it’s a huge gamble to take at this stage.