Gayle wants to stay in Toon – if part of plans

DWIGHT Gayle insists he “loves” playing for Newcastle United – and wants to stay for as long as he remains part of Rafa Benitez’s first-team plans.

The 27-year-old was a target for Stoke City earlier in the window, while it is understood that Fulham also enquired about Gayle’s availability before pursuing a £20million permanent deal for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

But, despite interest from elsewhere and Benitez’s public declarations that the United manager is looking to sign another striker this summer, Gayle and his family are settled on Tyneside.

The former Crystal Palace forward will compete with Joselu and whichever new striker arrives – with West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon Benitez’s top target – for a starting berth this season.

Having scored six goals in 23 Premier League starts last term, Gayle hopes to find the back of the net more regularly in 2018/19.

“Yeah, I’m loving it here. My family’s all set. For the time being, if the gaffer’s happy with me, I’m happy at to stay,” Gayle replied when asked if he wanted to remain at St James’ Park.

“The opportunity’s there for me. The gaffer’s given me every opportunity to prove myself.

“Last season, perhaps I didn’t get as many goals [as I wanted to], but I was getting opportunities. If I continue to get those opportunities, I will score goals. “Hopefully, I get the chance to prove myself again this season and I do myself proud.

“Of course, we want to improve the team, and I understand that we’re going to bring in other players to improve the team, and the manager wants another striker.

“It’s all part of football. It happens, and you have to prove to the gaffer that you’re the right person to start.”

Although Gayle did not produce the prolific form in front of goal he had hoped to, the 27-year-old was praised by Benitez for his all-round work.

And the forward hopes United can build on the impressive 3-0 victory over Chelsea on the final day of last season, during which Gayle netted.

“It was a great way to finish the season with a 3-0 win at home. We went away from it with a 10th-placed finish and everyone was happy,” Gayle added.

“It’s important that we kick on now, stay focused and start the season on the front foot.

“Personally, I want as much gametime as I can get, and I want to improve on my scoring.”