Stoke City will reportedly have to break their transfer record in order to secure the services of Newcastle United striker Dwight Gayle this summer.
The 29-year-old was in fine form on loan at West Bromwich Albion last season, scoring 23 goals in 39 Championship appearances to help them into the playoffs, and was also named the club's player of the season.
Such form has alerted the Potters, who are keen to mount a serious promotion push next season with the aid of a hefty transfer kitty.
According to The Chronicle, Stoke have made tentative enquiries to the Magpies about a deal for the former Crystal Palace man and have been quoted a figure of £20m - double the amount they paid to sign him from the Eagles three years ago.
The newspaper says that the deal could be complicated by the ongoing takeover talks at Newcastle and the uncertain future of manager Rafael Benitez, who is out of contract at the end of the month.
Gayle has two years remaining on his current deal at St James'.
Neil Wilkes
