Newcastle United are reportedly keen on signing the West Bromwich Albion forward.
According to a report from the Shields Gazette, Newcastle remain keen on signing West Brom striker Salomon Rondon, but they could be priced out of a move for the £16.5 million-rated hitman.
The news could be a blessing in disguise for the Magpies, however.
Rondon joined the Baggies from Zenit Saint Petersburg in the summer of 2015, for a fee believed to be worth in the region of £12 million, and despite his impressive work ethic, he has failed to establish himself as consistent goalscorer.
The Venezuelan has chalked up just 28 goals in 120 appearances for West Brom, and considering the fact that Newcastle need a clinical finisher, they will be better served in focusing their attention elsewhere.
This summer will be a vitally important one for Rafa Benitez at St James’ Park, and if he is to guide his side to an improvement upon their 10th placed finish last season, he quite simply must add a clinical striker to his ranks.
The problem for the Spaniard is that he has limited funds at his disposal, so he will have to be incredibly shrewd in his player recruitment this summer.
Newcastle might just have to take a punt on someone unproven in the Premier League, if they are to get value for money, but missing out on Rondon should not be seen as a bad thing for the Toon.
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