Rafa Benitez: West Brom loanees Dwight Gayle and Jacob Murphy could have futures in Newcastle

Gayle signed up on loan at The Hawthorns for the season, in a deal which also saw Salomon Rondon make the move to the north-east - where he has become a fan favourite, scoring 10 times so far this campaign.

Former Palace striker Gayle meanwhile has netted 17 times for Albion this season, playing a starring role as the Baggies look set for the play-offs.

The forward's success has got Albion fans hoping a permanent swap deal involving Gayle and Rondon, with the latter already announcing his willingness to stay with the Magpies beyond this season.

However, Benitez insists that Gayle could have a role to play at Newcastle in the future alongside Murphy, who has featured nine times since joining on-loan in January.

"Dwight is doing really well." Benitez told ChronicleLive.

"It's good when players are doing well for their teams and you have to consider them for the future.

"OK, you never know what can happen but it's good when they are doing well and enjoying themselves.

"He [Jacob Murphy] needed to play, obviously young players need to play and get experience.

"And it was difficult for him here.

"He is a nice lad and a good professional so hopefully he can do well and then we will consider his future."

Rondon's future could be more clear cut, with the Venezuelan having a £16.5m release clause in his contract should the Baggies fail to secure promotion back into the Premier League.

Reports in the north-east claim that Benitez will re-visit the possibility of bringing him in permanently following the conclusion of the season.