But the striker was not dashing off to complete a deadline day transfer - he had simply turned up to the club’s Darsley Park complex four hours early!
Gayle arrived at around 9am but Newcastle’s first team are not due in until 1pm, Sky Sports News report.
Training is scheduled to start an hour later at 2pm so Gayle performed a quick U-turn and drove back out.
Fulham are interested in signing the striker, who hit 23 goals in 32 league appearances for Newcastle last term.
* CHAMPIONSHIP TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: DEALS, GOSSIP AND RUMOURS AS THEY BREAK THROUGHOUT THE DAY *
The Championship side have reportedly lodged a £15m bid.
But the Magpies are only prepared to sanction his departure if they sign a replacement.
Gayle has four years left on his contract at St James’ Park.
