West Bromwich Albion are pushing hard to re-sign Dwight Gayle on loan but are facing competition from Championship rivals Leeds United and Stoke City.

At the same time Newcastle’s new manager Steve Bruce has continued to make it clear that he wants Gayle to stay at the Premier League club this season.

However with Newcastle having signed Brazilian striker Joelinton for a record fee of £40million and winger Allan Saint-Maximin then Gayle’s chances may be limited.

It is understood that Gayle was also upset that the Newcastle number nine shirt was taken off him and given to Joelinton. The 28-year-old hugely enjoyed his loan spell at West Brom and it is believed that he would like to return to the Championship club should a deal be struck.

West Brom head coach Slaven Bilic is desperate for three new signings before the transfer window closes on Thursday as he attempts to re-build the squad after a spate of departures this summer.

Gayle scored 24 goals for West Brom last season having arrived at the Hawthorns on loan as part of a swap deal that took Salomon Rondon to Newcastle. It is unclear whether West Brom can afford to pay Gayle’s wages but the club is exploring the possibility of signing him on loan again with an option to buy.