Crystal Palace accept Bristol City bid for Dwight Gayle

Gayle, 24, could be forced to train with the Under 21s if he decides to reject a switch to Ashton Gate.

Alan Pardew has brought in Patrick Bamford from Chelsea and Connor Wickham from Sunderland this summer to leave Gayle some way down the pecking order of striking options at Selhurst Park.

The package is understandably attractive to Palace.

Gayle, who signed from Peterborough United two years ago for undisclosed fee, has scored goals for Palace when given a chance, yet he has failed to hold down a regular place.

Despite injuries Gayle ended his first season with Crystal Palace as the club’s top scorer, bagging seven goals in 23 appearances.

However Bristol City, who won promotion to the Championship last season by claiming the League One title, now appear to have wrapped up a deal after matching Palace’s valuation.

“We’ve had a bid accepted and that’s as far as it’s gone”, Cotterill told the club’s official website.

“I don’t want to talk out of turn about the player and his views, but he would ceryainly be a good addition to our squad should he decide to come and join us”.

“He’s someone we’d like to have at the football club”, Cotterill said.

Fulham enquired about Gayle but wanted to take him on loan.

Middlesbrough have also shown an interest in Gayle in recent weeks.