OPINION
Newcastle’s hunt for an out-and-out striker goes on as talks for West Bromwich Albion ace Salomon Rondon stall, and time is beginning to run out for the Magpies as deadline day approaches.
While a deal for Rondon may yet be agreed before the close of the window, the club must now begin to assess other options available to them in case it is not.
Among those options is Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham, who is being lined up for a loan by Championship side Aston Villa, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The newspaper claim that the 20-year-old instead wants to remain in the Premier League after spending last season on loan in the top-flight at Swansea, and Newcastle must offer him the chance to do so.
While Abraham would not be an ideal choice for Newcastle heading into the new season, the fact is that the Magpies are being forced into a situation where they will have to settle for a secondary option.
The 20-year-old scored eight goals in 39 games in all competitions for the Swans last season, earning an England call-up with his early season form which saw him net four times in their first eight league games.
That shows that there is the potential for Abraham to be turned into a decent Premier League marksman by the right manager, and Rafa Benitez could well be that man.
If the Magpies managed to get ten goals or so out of Abraham, they should have enough firepower across the rest of the squad to have a decent campaign.
Prime target Rondon does not score many himself, and therefore a move for Abraham seems to make sense if the club cannot pull a deal off for the Venezuela international.
And, even if they do sign Rondon, the Magpies should still consider loaning Abraham, who would be a good squad player for them as they look to cement their Premier League status this coming year.
