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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

According to The Shields Gazette, West Brom could go back in for former loan star Dwight Gayle in the January transfer window.

What’s the word?

The 28-year-old striker was on loan at the Hawthorns last season under former boss Darren Moore and quickly became an influential member of the squad.

Gayle scored 24 goals in 41 appearances as the club made the playoffs last season. He also added eight assists, showing how much of a team asset he really was.

In the summer, Bilic tried to get his hands on the forward but his parent club, Newcastle United, kept hold of him at manager Steve Bruce’s request.

At the time, they valued their frontman at between £15-20m which West Brom simply couldn't afford.

The Croatian has added fuel to the fire by stating he would, in an ideal world, like another striker.

Music to Albion’s ears

If the Baggies can find the money for him, he could be one of the signings of the season based on how he performed last term.

He’s clearly a very popular figure at the Hawthorns despite only being at the club temporarily and several supporters wanted him to re-sign this summer.

The move would not only add goals to a frontline which has scored just two in six between them, but it would also enable Bilic to play the two striker system he spoke about when he first arrived at the club.

Gayle predominantly played in a two last term and alongside Jay Rodriguez, they scored 46 times.

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Charlie Austin and Kenneth Zohore could really benefit from having someone like Gayle alongside them and a possible pairing could bring fruitful benefits to all concerned, specifically with Austin.

West Brom could have two proven goalscorers leading the line for them in the second half of the season if the attacker signs again. Austin has 68 in 135 Championship appearances, per Tranfermarkt, and the Newcastle man showed his potential last season.

Landing a player like Gayle could well be the difference between securing promotion or remaining in the Championship.

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