Alan Shearer's Newcastle United verdict on Dwight Gayle is what Sheffield United want to hear

Sheffield United supporters have had mixed views on the transfer link to Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle. The Blades have been credited with interest in the 32-year-old, who has fallen down the pecking order at St James' Park.

The former Crystal Palace man looks set to be allowed to leave the Magpies as manager Eddie Howe is expected to enjoy a big-spending summer. Middlesbrough have also been linked with a move for him.

Some Sheffield United fans believe this is a deal the club must look to do with his proven Championship pedigree a big plus. However, others have reacted with caution over his injury record and lack of game time in recent years at Premier League level.

Although he has struggled for minutes in the top flight, what can't be questioned is his form in the second tier. His goals were instrumental in Newcastle's promotion under Rafa Benitez during the 2016/17 season.

He found the net 23 times as the Magpies romped to the title on 94 points and Shearer believes the signing of Gayle was key to that.

Following a 2-0 win over Leeds in which Gayle bagged a brace, Shearer moved to praise the striker in his column for The Sun. He wrote: "Rafa has done some very shrewd business in the transfer market this summer making the club a healthy profit in the meantime.

"There has been no better buy than Dwight Gayle at £10million from Crystal Palace. That move bought a guaranteed 20-25 goals in this league for me.

"He has scored nine in his last six games now and looks unstoppable at this level. Both of those he scored yesterday showed a great striker’s instinct."

Gayle returned to the Championship on loan at West Brom for the 2018-19 season where he again proved prolific. He went one better this time, bagging 24