West Ham have set their sights on signing on-loan Newcastle striker Salomon Rondon, according to Football.London.
The football news website say that while Celta Vigo forward Maxi Gomez was on the club’s radar, the Hammers have been priced out of a move for the Uruguayan international after the Spanish club staved off relegation from La Liga and as such those plans have been put on ice.
Instead, Football.London says that Manuel Pellegrini’s side will now attempt to secure a deal for Rondon, who enjoyed his best-ever season in England last season with 12 goals.
The source adds that while Newcastle are trying to make his move from West Brom last season a permanent one – by activating a £16.5m release clause – Wolves are also keen on the Venezuelan attacker.
Good move for West Ham?
Definitely. West Ham are in need of a new striker after the signing of Lucas Perez from Arsenal last summer did not work out as planned, with the Spaniard only making 15 Premier League appearances and scoring three times.
Marko Arnautovic is far and away Pellegrini’s first-choice attacker, but behind him there is not much to go at. Rondon would provide what they need.
Having just finished his best-ever season in England, he would likely be keen to stay in the Premier League after West Brom failed to make it to the play-off final against Aston Villa.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
There is definitely a chance, but you’ve got to remember that West Ham are not the only team interested in signing Rondon. That is because of his fantastic season.
Wolves, similar to West Ham, need a backup attacker for Raul Jiminez, whose deal they made a permanent one not long ago. And as for Newcastle, they will be desperate to keep Rondon, and the striker has previously said that he would like to stay in the North East. This will be one to watch.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10