Newcastle United have moved into the driving seat in the race to sign Salomon Rondon, according to Football Insider.
The reputable football outlet claim that the Magpies are in pole position to sign the Venezuelan after Premier League rivals Wolves pulled out of any potential deal.
Football Insider report that the Midlands’ club turned down the chance to sign Rondon after disagreeing with West Brom’s £16.5million valuation of the forward.
West Ham are also said to be interested in the striker who turns 30-years-old one month into the next campaign. Rondon spent last season on-loan at St James’ Park, scoring 11 goals and adding seven assists during his temporary stay in the North East.
OPINION
Rondon definitely became a fan favourite very quickly during his short stay at St James’ Park. His style of play suited the Magpies perfectly, with his physicality complimenting his attacking partners, Ayoze Perez and Miguel Almiron. In the penultimate game against Liverpool, the Venezuelan international proved his worth as he bullied Virgil Van Dijk throughout different periods of the game. It came as no surprise that both Wolves and West Ham were interested in his services, with a move to the Premier League certain to happen after West Brom failed to earn promotion from the Championship. A price of £16.5million could be seen as a big risk for an ageing player, but if Newcastle can get three good years out of Rondon in a push towards the top half of the League, they will believe they got their money worth. Should they fail to tempt Rondon into a move back to Newcastle, the future could look bleak if it is added to the uncertainty surrounding Rafael Benitez. If it is the last thing Mike Ashley is to do at the club, he must confirm the double signing of both Benitez and Rondon.
