Newcastle United could use striker Dwight Gayle in a surprise swap deal to secure the signing of West Brom hitman Salomon Rondon this summer, according to reporter Lee Ryder.
The Chronicle journalist claims on his personal Twitter account that the former Crystal Palace forward, who has been a firm favourite under manager Rafael Benitez since signing from the Eagles two years ago, could be used as a makeweight in a deal to take the Venezualan international to St James’ Park.
#nufc are still looking at signing Rondon despite Muto bid being accepted. Rondon arrival could see Gayle leave. #nufc rejected loan bid for Gayle but swap deal still a possibility.
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) July 26, 2018
It is stated that Newcastle have already turned down a loan bid from the Baggies for Gayle but that a surprise twist could see the two strikers swap places at the clubs and respective divisions.
Good move for Newcastle?
Gayle might have been a preferred option to Benitez last season but that was through necessity rather than choice.
The Spanish boss would have rather had a hot shot goal scorer who continually found the back of the net, but instead had to make do with Gayle and Joselu, while Islam Slimani hardly set Tyneside alight with his displays during an ill-fated loan spell.
Rondon is not exactly a proven goal scorer either but his experience for both club and country should prove useful, and he certainly offers something different to the current options at St James’ Park.
If a swap cuts the price of his arrival, then it makes perfect sense.
This is Futbol rating: 7/10
Likely to happen?
There are many complications that come with a swap deal, and that is why something has not yet come off.
Gayle may well be reluctant to drop into the Championship once again and as such Newcastle are going to struggle using him as a trading chip with West Brom.
It might be something discussed, but if it was a simple thing, it would have already gone through.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10