Is Gayle of interest to Aston Villa?

Aston Villa will keep a close eye on the future of Crystal Palace outcast Dwight Gayle with his future at the Premier League side unclear.

Gregg Evans from the Birmingham Mail reports how the former Dagenham and Redbridge striker could leave Selhurst Park as he seeks more regular first-team football than he has had in the season just gone under Alan Pardew.

The 25-year old has been with the Eagles since 2013 after a move from Peterborough United. Since the move he has found the net on 15 occasions in 63 appearances.

The forward was believed to be a target for Tim Sherwood last summer at Villa Park and he could well prove to be a target for Roberto Di Matteo as he looks to rebuild a Villa side that was relegated for the first time in Premier League history.

When Gayle last played in the Championship he hit 13 goals which lead to Crystal Palace parting with £4.5-million.