Newcastle are on the verge of completing a loan deal for West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon which will include an option sign the Venezuela international permanently at the end of the season, according to the Chronicle.
The regional newspaper report in their live blog (Monday, 06/08), that the deal, which will see Dwight Gayle go the other way on loan, should be completed by the end of tomorrow (Tuesday).
The Chronicle claim that Gayle’s future will also be placed under consideration at the end of the season, with there remaining the possibility of a return to Tyneside next summer.
OPINION
It is not a surprise that the imminent deal for Rondon is set to include an option to buy, with that always expected to form part of a loan deal. It does not state explicity here whether Gayle’s deal will include the same clause, with the report merely stating his situation will be assessed, but it looks that way. In many ways this is the perfect deal for Newcastle in the circumstances, with the Magpies now getting a year to look at Rondon and assess whether he is a good long-term option for them. If the powerful Venezuelan plays well then taking him permanently will be a no-brainer, but if he doesn’t, then the club have the option to cut ties if needed. It will be interesting to see how he gets on upon his return to the Premier League, with the 28-year-old never too prolific for the Baggies, but Benitez has obviously identified him as a player who could make a big difference for the Magpies.
