DWIGHT NOW FOR FULHAM

NEWCASTLE risk losing Dwight Gayle to Fulham – if the Cottagers’ £20million deal for Aleksandar Mitrovic collapses.

The Serb ( below) is just two days from a return to training on Tyneside – where he has no future under boss Rafa Benitez – because the transfer has yet to be completed.

Newcastle are keen to raise cash from the sale of Mitrovic, who spent three months of last season on loan at Fulham. Personal terms are said to be agreed, but nothing has been finalised between the clubs, with progress anticipated this week. Gayle ( left) is a fallback option for the Cottagers, who have also been linked with Brazil striker Willian Jose. Mitrovic wants to join Fulham and has been on holiday since playing at the World Cup.

Toon have checked out Swiss defender Fabian Schar of Deportivo La Coruna, who has a £ 3m release clause. Defender Chancel Mbemba has signed for Porto in a £6m deal. Benitez is hoping for a breakthrough this week after admitting he needs another five signings before the window closes on August 9. His transfer funds have been restricted because he will not sign a new contract until investment is secured for the training ground and academy.

But the Newcastle United Fans’ Forum called for Benitez to be backed, saying: “The club’s board need to support him now more than ever.”