Newcastle United are in the hunt for West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper report that Baggies boss Darren Moore is expecting to lose the Venezuela international this summer following their relegation to the Championship.
The Mail claim that Newcastle are now showing interest in a deal for powerhouse Rondon, who scored 10 goals in 40 matches in all competitions in 2017/18.
The Mirror have previously reported that Rondon has a £16million release clause in his contract following West Brom’s relegation.
Good move for Newcastle United?
It is hard to say.
Rondon has shown during his time at West Brom that he has what it takes to compete at Premier League level, with the Venezuelan proving unstoppable on his day.
However, his scoring record leaves much to be desired, with the 6ft 1in striker [Transfermarkt] scoring just 28 goals in 120 appearances for the Baggies, and that does not inspire massive confidence of his ability to lead the line for the Magpies.
The club need someone who can come in and guarantee them around 15 league goals next season, and with Rondon’s best Premier League term standing at nine goals, that does not look likely to happen with him.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 5/10
Likely to happen?
There are several Premier League clubs which have been linked with Rondon this summer, including some big names in Tottenham and Chelsea.
Newcastle may therefore have some competition for his signature, although it is doubtful that either of those two clubs will actually move for a striker with such a record.
The Magpies are definitely in with a shot here if their interest is genuine, and we will have to wait and see what transpires in the coming weeks.
Nothing but Newcastle rating: 3/10
