West Bromwich Albion are set for an overhaul this summer following a disappointing season that saw the side fail to secure a chance at promotion back into the Premier League, and Steve Bruce has his work cut out to improve the team.
The release and retainment list has been confirmed for next season with Romaine Sawyers, Andy Carroll and Sam Johnstone three of 12 players who will be let go by the club this summer to make way for signings.
In terms of releasing Andy Carroll, the Albion manager will need to find a replacement for the striker to ensure that they are not caught short like they were last season when Daryl Dike suffered a long-term injury after making just two appearances.
It would be advantageous to bring in a ready-made experienced striker who knows how to bag goals in the Championship and there is one player Bruce could reunite with this summer that can provide exactly what they need.
Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle has been starved of game-time at St James' Park in the Premier League but is a proven goal-machine when it comes to the Championship and could be the key to unlocking promotion for West Brom next season.
The £37k-per-week gem who was dubbed "proven" by Kyle Bartley, is no stranger to The Hawthorns, scoring 24 goals and contributing eight assists in 41 appearances when he was on loan at the club in the 2018/19 season, and Carlton Palmer believes the player could emulate his previous spell at the club if West Brom signs him this summer.
Speaking to Football League World, Palmer claimed: “He’s guaranteed you 20 goals in that league. He’s done it before."
“So, those are the players he’d be looking to bring into the football club, and obviously, Steve works with those players and knows them well.”
With that being said, due to his lack of minutes with the Magpies, it could be an attractive move for the player to get back on the pitch and be a regular feature for the Baggies again.
Therefore, Bruce could be in a great position to get a deal over the line if he made the move, something he simply has to do if he wants to get fans on side and build a steady platform for promotion.