Ligue 1 side Olympique Marseille are set to rival Newcastle United for the signing of West Bromwich Albion’s Salomon Rondon in the summer.
Les Phocéens’ new manager Andre Villas-Boas knows the Venezuelan well thanks to their time together in Russia with Zenit St Petersburg. Rondon had his most productive return under the former Chelsea boss, scoring 27 goals and providing seven assists in 54 appearances.
The 29-year-old had a very impressive season at Newcastle United for whom he scored 12 times in the Premier League. The Magpies are also rumoured to be in the race for the Venezuelan hitman but they are yet to make a final decision on whether to sign the Venezuelan on a permanent deal (Chronicle).
Newcastle are reportedly in the middle of a takeover with Arab Billionaire Sheikh Khaled looking to buy the club from current owner Mike Ashley(Chronicle). A decision on the future of Rafa Benitez is unlikely to be decided before the completion of the potential sale.
The delay in negotiations could hurt the Magpies massively in terms of availability of their transfer targets with other clubs seemingly lurking. Long-term target (Chronicle) Wesley Moares was snapped up by Aston Villa and Rondon could well move on if Newcastle leave it too late.
Marseille’s ability to offer Rondon a chance to play in the Europa League next season could prove to be an offer too tempting to turn down and if Newcastle fail to act quick, they will have to look at someone other than their top goalscorer from last season.
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