DWIGHT GAYLE has ended his six-year association with Newcastle United by completing a permanent move to Stoke City.

Gayle has signed a two-year deal with the Potters ahead of the start of the new Championship season.

A host of second-tier clubs were interested in securing the 32-year-old's services this summer, but while the likes of Middlesbrough, Watford and West Brom held talks with the Magpies hierarchy, Stoke were the only club to be able to agree a deal with Gayle and his representatives.

"I’m buzzing to be here and I can’t wait to get started now," said Gayle. "There were a few parties that were interested, but for me, it was about finding a club that was right for me and after speaking to the gaffer and the coaches I heard everything I wanted to hear."

Gayle joined Newcastle from Crystal Palace in July 2016 and enjoyed a hugely successful first season on Tyneside, scoring 23 goals in all competitions to finish as the Magpies' leading goalscorer as they claimed the Championship title.

After scoring six times in the Premier League in the following campaign, the Londoner joined West Brom on loan for the 2018-19 season and claimed  a further 24 goals in a prolific stint at the Hawthorns before returning to Tyneside.

In all, Gayle made 122 appearances for Newcastle, scoring 34 times, and he joins a Stoke side that finished 14th in the second tier last season.

"Dwight’s track record, particularly in the Championship, is exceptional and there were a number of clubs chasing him so we are really delighted he has chosen to join us," said Stoke boss Michael O'Neill.