West Brom forward Salomon Rondon is on the verge of signing for Newcastle United, according to BBC Newcastle.
The broadcaster claimed on their official Twitter account on Saturday afternoon that Rondon, 28, is due to join the Magpies after being left out of the Baggies’ matchday squad against Bolton.
It is understood that the deal could be done within the next 24 hours, by the end of Sunday.
???? BREAKING: BBC Sport understands West Brom striker Salomon Rondon is close to joining @NUFC. The Venezuelan isn't involved for the Baggies Championship match against Bolton today, and the deal could be completed this weekend. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/KJ5klW15We
— BBC Sport Tyne & Wear (@bbcnewcastle) August 4, 2018
Dwight Gayle was left out of Newcastle’s squad for the friendly against Augsburg on Saturday, however it is yet to be mentioned whether he is tied in the deal that sees Rondon head to St James’ Park.
Good move for Newcastle?
Rondon is hardly prolific in the Premier League having only scored 24 goals in 108 league appearances for West Brom.
However Rafa Benitez is desperate to improve his forward options and the Venezuela international is certainly an upgrade on Joselu and Dwight Gayle.
Many fans will bemoan the decision to sell Aleksandar Mitrovic, but Rondon is a much more experienced player and if he is given a good supply of chances, he will surely improve his form at St James’ Park and become a real fan favourite.
This is Futbol rating 7/10
Likely to happen?
It has been one of the sagas of the summer but it finally seems as though Rondon will be swapping his blue and white stripes for black and white ones.
Benitez has been in the hunt for a forward all summer and it only really seemed as though it was going to be Rondon who would realistically be heading to St James’.
Will Gayle be involved in the deal? Time will tell.
This is Futbol rating 9.5/10