Fresh reason emerges behind Middlesbrough’s failure to secure transfer agreement for Newcastle United player

Middlesbrough opted against recruiting Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle because the player’s financial demands were deemed too hefty, according to a report from the Northern Echo.

The 32-year-old is currently training away from the Magpies’ first-team squad and looks destined to leave St James’ Park before the current transfer window closes, having been linked with Boro, West Bromwich Albion and Watford.

The latter two were provided with a boost earlier this month when Football Insider claimed they had cooled their interest in the Englishman because chairman Steve Gibson was reluctant to sanction a deal for a player over the age of 30, preferring to focus on younger additions.

And his influence has seemingly come to the fore recently with Chris Wilder’s side believed to be closing in on the signing of 23-year-old Brentford forward Marcus Forss, who will be hoping to make up for what was a disappointing spell at Hull City during the second half of last season.

However, they could still potentially move for Gayle if they wanted to with a deal with the Hornets and the Baggies not seemingly imminent at this stage and the 32-year-old still in limbo.

But the Northern Echo believe a big barrier to this potential deal being completed was the forward’s financial demands, with the player unlikely to be on a modest wage at St James’ Park.

The Verdict:

Boro are right not to succumb to Gayle’s demands – because they should still be looking to be financially sensible in the transfer market even with Djed Spence set to secure an eight-figure move away from the Riverside.

Ideally, Wilder would spend some of this money on multiple players instead of one marquee signing, helping to provide the Teesside club with more depth and this