Report gives positive update in Newcastle’s hopes of signing West Brom’s Rondon

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Newcastle United, West Ham and Cardiff City are the three Premier League sides eyeing Salomon Rondon of West Bromwich Albion.

Newcastle United have come out of nowhere to lead the race for Salomon Rondon.

It is no secret that manager Rafa Benitez wants a new striker to lead the line next season after The Magpies somehow finished in the top half despite their most prolific goalscorer, Ayoze Perez, notching just eight times in the Premier League.

Rondon, a tall, physical centre-forward, appears to fit the style that Benitez is looking for. After being relegated with West Brom, the Venezuelan international is reportedly available for £16.5 million thanks to a release clause in his contract.

And The Mail (live blog, 3.39pm) reports that Newcastle are now leading the chase for Rondon ahead of Cardiff City and West Ham United, who have both been linked with the former Zenit striker for a longer period of time.

West Ham might have been seen as the favourites to sign Rondon given that their new manager Manuel Pellegrini was the coach who gave the targetman his break during a spell in La Liga with Malaga.

But Newcastle now seem to be the most likely destination for a striker who, despite all his qualities, will have much to prove when he switches clubs thanks to a far from inspiring record of 24 goals in 108 Premier League appearances.