Newcastle United are reportedly interested in Ze Luis as they consider other striker targets amid Salomon Rondon concerns.
According to a report from TEAMtalk, Newcastle are considering a move for Ze Luis with the Magpies board unsure about paying £16 million to sign Salomon Rondon permanently.
Rondon has enjoyed an excellent season at St James’ Park. The Venezuelan has been an inspired loan signing and currently sits at the top of the club’s goals and assists charts in the Premier League, with nine strikes to his name, while he has set up another five for his teammates.
Nevertheless, TEAMtalk reports that Newcastle are not overly keen on paying the eight-figure fee it would take to sign him from West Brom on a permanent basis, and thus, they are now weighing up moves for other targets.
The report suggests that Newcastle have been monitoring Ze Luis throughout the season and could now make a move with his asking price said to be around £10 million.
The 28-year-old has scored eight goals in 17 league games for Spartak Moscow, as well as three in six Europa League appearances. It is a surprising link, and one that Newcastle fans may not be too happy with.
Rondon has become a real fans’ favourite on Tyneside and his record in the Premier League is impressive. He may not have too many years left at the highest level, but he is only one year older than Ze Luis.
And when you consider that Ze Luis has only reached double figures for league goals once in his career, and his record in Russia is not as impressive as Rondon’s was before he came to England, it appears to be an almost baffling move from the Magpies.
It may be an inspired roll of the dice from Newcastle. But Ze Luis will be under enormous pressure if he does join given how popular Rondon has been.
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