It wouldn't soon be a transfer window without West Brom being linked to a former loan star, only this time, he could be everything they need to kickstart and salvage their struggling season...

What's the word?

According to ChronicleLive, Dwight Gayle is very much still a player on the Baggies' radar going into January and they claim that a return to the Hawthorns may seem likely if the 30-year-old does not renew his contract at Newcastle United.

His current deal is set to expire in the summer, so the Magpies may look to cash in on his services next month should he not feature in Steve Bruce's long-term plans.

Last season, Albion tried to bring Gayle back to the Midlands but the talismanic striker wanted a fair crack at the Premier League on top of the potential finances involved that would have been way out of their reach.

If Luke Dowling and Slaven Bilic are wanting to spark a reaction both on and off the pitch, then they should absolutely push to sign the £7m-rated marksman. They know all too well what they'd be getting and the fans would surely love to see Gayle back in a Baggies shirt.

During the 2018/19 season whilst on loan, Gayle spearheaded Darren Moore's attack, leading to 23 goals in just 39 appearances as West Brom made the Championship playoffs.

dwight gayle celebrates wba goal

Indeed, his overall goalscoring record is pretty respectable too, bagging 92 goals in 239 appearances across the Premier League and the EFL, via Transfermarkt.

Kyle Bartley was one Albion player who witnessed his first spell and he told BirminghamLive all about the striker's impressive ability, he said:

"Dwight is a proven goalscorer and he is always going to get you goals and his work-rate off the ball is also immense. His movement is fantastic and you know at all times he wants to score goals and you know any little lapse and he is going to be in. I think he is very sharp and fit and has come in looking very dangerous."

Karlan Grant's summer switch to the Premier League outfit has failed to pay dividends thus far, scoring just once in seven starts whilst no other player has scored more than twice yet this term, via WhoScored.

Gayle is currently on £40k-per-week wages at St James' Park, which would put him among Albion's highest earners, though if the club can successfully offload Charlie Austin and his £52k-per-week salary, then it could free up a potential loan move - if not a permanent and free swoop in the summer.

AND in other news, West Brom dropped the ball over 32-cap speed demon with "exceptional qualities"...