Sheffield United join Middlesbrough in race to sign Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle

Newcastle striker Dwight Gayle is the subject of interest from Championship side Sheffield United.

The 32-year-old has rarely featured for the Magpies in recent seasons and is available to leave St James' Park this summer. At Championship level, Gayle has always produced.

His last season in the second tier with West Brom on loan back in 2019 saw him score 23 goals. And now Sheffield United are said to be interested in signing the forward on loan.

According to the i, Gayle is a target for both Sheffield United and Middlesbrough this summer.

An agonising play-off semi-final defeat to Nottingham Forest on penalties saw the Blades miss out on the chance to jump back to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Midfield star Morgan Gibbs-White is heading back to Wolves following the end of his loan at Bramall Lane, which will considerably weaken Sheffield's attack for next season.

The 22-year-old bagged 11 league goals for Paul Heckingbottom's side and has been subject to Premier League interest following his successful loan stint. Sheffield need to replace Gibbs-White's goals which Gayle's arrival would do.

Back in the 2016/17 season, Gayle scored 23 goals in 32 appearances under Rafa Benitez, firing the Magpies back up to the Premier League at the first time of asking.

Middlesbrough are also understood to be interested in signing Gayle this summer as they look to strengthen their forward line ahead of the new Championship season.

Chris Wilder's Boro missed out on the play-offs narrowly with a seventh place finish last season. Midfielder Matt Crooks finished the season as top scorer with 11 goals, highlighting Boro's need for a top class Championship striker at the Riverside.