West Brom have told Newcastle that they will need to increase their offer for striker Salomon Rondon, according to the Express and Star.
The newspaper reports on their website that United will need more cash in order to sign the West Brom powerhouse, and the Baggies are not willing to let one of their star players leave for a cheap fee.
They have reportedly rejected Newcastle’s offer of a season-long loan for the Venezuela international, who are said to have decided to make the loan offer instead of paying the 28-year-old’s £16.5 million release clause in his contract.
The attacker has a year until his deal expires at the Hawthorns, and he could be available on a free transfer next summer.
OPINION
Newcastle’s offer to take Salomon Rondon on loan is a smart move for the club, who know that if they were to take him for a year, they would be able to acquire him on a free transfer next summer when his West Brom contract runs out. However, the Baggies have clearly spotted this tactic by United, and have swiftly rejected their propsosed loan offer. West Brom do not want to let one of their star players leave on a cheap fee, so they are right to refuse Benitez’ approach for their forward. Newcastle need to ‘sell to buy’ and getting a striker on a cheap fee is wise, but they need to realise that West Brom need to reinvest funds in order to bring in a suitable replacement. They will not let Rondon go without a fight, and Newcastle will need to seriously up their game if they are intent on landing the Venezuelan.