Albion’s promotion rivals are weighing up their options after losing their 20-goal top scorer.

Newcastle saw Dwight Gayle limp out of their precious 2-1 win at Brentford with a hamstring injury.

They are expected to splash out in the transfer market and will also look to Daryl Murphy, their summer signing from Ipswich, to add to his winning goal at Griffin Park.

The Magpies’ win nudged them back ahead of Albion, who have a game in hand, and they can now welcome back key midfielder Jonjo Shelvey from suspension. But Gayle’s injury could be a blow.

Ross Rafa Benitez refused to put a timescale on Gayle's absence speaking soon after yesterday’s game.

He said: “It is just a pity because the way he was playing and in form, he was on fire.

“It is a pity we will now lose him for some games and see where we are.”

Newcastle, who were helped back to top spot by a goal from their former defender Paul Huntington for Preston, also lost Vurnon Anita and Isaac Hayden to injury at Brentford.

They are being linked with a move for Fulham playmaker Tom Cairney.