Newcastle United could reportedly look to sign Salomon Rondon from West Bromwich Albion on a permanent basis this summer.
A report from the Chronicle has explained exactly why Newcastle will probably want West Brom to be one of the sides that miss out on promotion to the Premier League this summer – and it is all because of Salomon Rondon.
Rondon is currently on loan at St James’ Park after the Magpies’ concerns about his age prompted the club to pursue a temporary deal rather than a permanent one last summer, according to the Chronicle.
The Venezuelan has become an incredibly popular figure amongst Rafa Benitez’s side. The 29-year-old has scored seven Premier League goals in 23 games, while no player has provided more assists than the four that Rondon has contributed.
The Chronicle suggests that Newcastle could look at trying to keep Rondon permanently at the end of the campaign with his Baggies deal set to expire in 2020.
But the likelihood of a deal may perhaps be influenced by whether Darren Moore guides his side to promotion out of the second tier. The Chronicle reports that his release clause will be £16.5 million if they fail to go up, but that figure will increase if they do manage to make an immediate return to the top flight.
Right now, it does appear that West Brom are facing a major uphill battle trying to secure automatic-promotion. They are seven points off the top two in fourth. And having lost their last two games, the play-offs appear to be on the cards for the Baggies.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
