Newcastle United are expected to wrap up a deal to sign West Brom forward Salomon Rondon within the next seven days, according to TeamTalk.
The news outlet claims that while Rondon, 28, has a £16.5million release clause in his Baggies deal, however the Championship club could agree a loan deal with the Magpies worth an initial £4million up front and the option to make it permanent next summer for £15million.
It is understood that West Brom are eager to get the £40,000-a-week Venezuela international off their wagebill and may accept Newcastle’s proposal.
Good move for Newcastle?
It would certainly be a smart deal for the Magpies if they were able to pull it off, but fans will not be happy about the club signing yet another forward on loan after the failure of Islam Slimani last season.
Rondon has not scored on a regular enough basis to be worth a combined total of £19million, having found the net just 28 times in 120 appearances across all competitions for West Brom.
However Rafa Benitez needs a striker desperately, and may be forced into signing Rondon and he is understood to be his top target.
It’s not ideal, but these are the circumstances at St James’ Park until Mike Ashley sells up.
This is Futbol rating 5/10
Likely to happen?
West Brom are not likely to accept this offer and will surely want Newcastle to pay Rondon’s entire £16.5million release clause.
Why would they accept £4million now in the hope of making an extra £2.5million next year? And given the way that Rondon has played in the last few years, there’s little chance that the Magpies would exercise the right to make the deal permanent.
Albion need money now, not in 12 months’ time, so there’s no way this will happen.
This is Futbol rating 1/10