DWIGHT ON FOR BRUCE

WEST BROM boss Steve Bruce is weighing up a summer reunion with Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle.

The Baggies look destined for another season in the

Championship after the dramatic collapse of their promotion challenge.

And Bruce (right), who replaced Valerien Ismael at The Hawthorns last month – less than four months after being sacked by Toon – is already drawing up closeseason recruitment plans.

The 32-year-old Gayle starred on loan with West Brom in the 2018-19 season, grabbing 24 goals as they missed out on promotion in the play-offs.

Bruce is now eyeing a second Baggies loan spell for Gayle (above), who was surprisingly handed a new three-year contract by Newcastle last summer.

A £10million Rafa Benitez signing from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2016, Gayle has made only five appearances this season – including just one start in the Carabao Cup – and will be available in an end-ofterm Magpies clear-out. Wages would be an issue in a permanent deal, which is why West Brom are understood to be looking at a loan.

Bruce has also been linked with Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff. The midfielder, 24, is out of contract this summer, but United boss Eddie

Howe is keen to hold on to the Tynesider.