Newcastle United sign Dwight Gayle from Crystal Palace for £10m

Dwight Gayle has completed his transfer to Newcastle from Crystal Palace for £10m and has signed a five-year contract.

The 25-year-old forward becomes Rafa Benitez’s second signing of the summer following the arrival of goalkeeper Matz Sels from Gent.

Gayle, who has been Palace’s top scorer in each of the past three seasons, cost £6m when he arrived at Selhurst Park from Peterborough in the summer of 2013 and has scored 26 goals in 74 appearances, more than half of which have come from the substitute’s bench.

He was close to joining Bristol City last summer for £9m but signed a three-year deal with Palace in April.

And now Benitez is tipping him to make “a big difference” as his promotion favourites seek to make an immediate return to the top-flight.

Toon boss Benitez declared: “Dwight is a great player, a proven goalscorer, and it is fantastic news that he has joined us.

“He has a big personality, a lot of energy and pace. He is a good finisher also, so he will add goals to our squad, for sure.

“He knows English football well, too, and that is important in the Championship.

“I am sure Dwight will want to prove he can make a big difference to our team and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Gayle, who finished top scorer in each of his three seasons at Selhurst Park, had declared his move to St James’ Park as “amazing”.

“It’s a dream come true to be at a big club like this,” said Gayle.

“Newcastle has a massive fan base and a great history so it is amazing to be here.

“I can’t wait to get started, prove myself and score the goals that take us back up to the Premier League. It’s where this club belongs.”