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Nottingham Forest are 'likely' to pip Leeds United to the signing of Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle, according to reports.

Gayle has failed to make any real impact at St James' Park this season, despite his goal scoring exploits on loan with West Bromwich Albion last term.

He was widely expected to leave Newcastle in the summer, with a whole host of clubs from the top two tiers linked. However, he remained the club with the ambition of forcing himself into Steve Bruce's starting XI.

(Image: Getty Images)

Through a combination of fitness issues and Bruce preferring Joelinton and Miguel Almiron, the 29-year-old has played less than 30 minutes in the league so far this season.

With the January window only weeks away, it is expected that Gayle will once again depart from the North East and according to The Athletic,Forest are 'likely' to secure his services.

It is believed there was genuine interest from Forest bosses in the summer who could now get their man for the second half of their Championship assault.

Leeds, who have also been linked with Gayle are set to pull-out of the race due to Financial Fair Play restrictions and their preferred strategy to buy in the summer rather than January.

Former Forest player Steve Hodge has implored Sabri Lamouchi to sign a striker when the window opens, in order to reduce the risk of a Lewis Grabban injury.

Speaking to BBC Radio Nottingham, Hodge said: “I mentioned first game of the season I was a bit unhappy about having no backup striker in case he [Lewis Grabban] got injured, so far – touch wood – he hasn’t got injured and has got eight goals. Keep him fit and he’ll get 20 this season.