The part-exchange Newcastle could pursue after loan deal talks are held with Watford

According to reports, Watford have leapfrogged Middlesbrough and Birmingham City in the race to sign Dwight Gayle.

The Mail's Craig Hope has confirmed the Hornets interest, while the Northern Echo reveal that club officials are 'pushing hard' to sign the striker after holding talks with Newcastle over a potential loan deal.

The player's £40,000-per-week wages may not be a problem for the recently relegated side set to receive parachute payments, however a loan may not suit Newcastle when his future clearly lies away from St James' Park.

With that in mind, it had me wondering if we could use their eagerness to sign Gayle - a proven goalscorer at that level - to land Ismaila Sarr.

Part-exchanges don't happen all that often in football, but I'd be surprised if his name hasn't come up in discussions between the two sides, with it recently confirmed by a host of reputable outlets that we hold an interest in the Senegalese winger.

Sky Sports revealed last month that he is someone we could pursue should Moussa Diaby prove unattainable, while The Athletic reported earlier this summer that we are 'known admirers' of the 24-year-old.

So, if Watford want Gayle to aid their promotion hopes and we want rid, while also being in the market for a right winger, it could make plenty of sense for all parties to discuss a deal.