DWIGHT GAYLE could be the key to Newcastle United landing West Brom winger Oliver Burke in January.

Rafael Benitez is looking to add to his options on the flanks when the January transfer window opens and Burke has emerged as one of the players he is keeping tabs on.

The Baggies winger has not had the best of times at the Hawthorns since joining from Leipzig for £15m in the summer of last year, so he is not the man highest in Benitez’s sights.

But he is a viable option at a time when all eyes will be on whether Newcastle owner Mike Ashley will provide some funds for new players in January.

Burke, 21, is available and is keen to revive his stuttering career that led to Leipzig paying Nottingham Forest £13m in 2016. He has just one appearance to his name in the Championship this season.

And while Newcastle would be reluctant to pay the sort of fee West Brom forked out after his disappointing start, the future of Gayle is certainly a decent enough bargaining tool.

The 27-year-old has already scored eight times during his season-long loan for promotion-chasing West Brom who would be more than happy to discuss signing him permanently if the terms were right.

Benitez has his recruitment staff working on a number of potential targets, including wingers, as he looks to be prepared for a transfer window which Newcastle will be desperate for new additions.

There is still a chance they could lose another player, even if Achraf Lazaar is only on the periphery of things anyway.

Genoa, who Lazaar was close to signing for during the summer, have been informed the Moroccan would still like to complete a move there.

The 26-year-old said: “I’d have loved to play for Genoa because it’s a great club with incredible players. I know this club very well but [Genoa President] Preziosi changed his mind. I don’t know the reason for his choice.

“It is the president who spends the money and I can only thank him for the interest, I respect his decision and this doesn’t change the opinion that I have about the club. If they’d call me again, I’d be ready to join the club.”