Salomon Rondon scored 11 Premier League goals on loan at Newcastle United last season to apparently catch West Ham’s eye.
West Ham look set to be frustrated in their pursuit of Salomon Rondon with the striker telling friends that he has his heart set on a permanent move to Newcastle United instead, as reported by The Mirror (18 June, page 48).
With Andy Carroll released, Lucas Perez departing for Alaves and question marks surrounding the futures of both Javier Hernandez and Marko Arnautovic, it is pretty clear that West Ham need a new striker or two this summer.
But signing one is easier said than done.
The Mirror reports that Celta Vigo’s Uruguayan battering ram is leaning towards a move to Valencia while Real Betis are leading the chase to sign Fulham talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic.
And it seems that Rondon, too, could slip through their grasp.
The West Bromwich Albion forward, who is available for £16.5 million, spent last season on loan at Newcastle and enjoyed the most prolific campaign of his Premier League career with 11 goals for Rafa Benitez’s side.
The Mirror claims that Rondon has told close friends that he is desperate to return to St James’ Park – which seems to leave West Ham as a back up option for the 29-year-old.
The Hammers shouldn’t accept defeat just yet, however. Newcastle owner Mike Ashley is famously reluctant to sign players over the age of 24 so there is a chance that Benitez will be prevented from spending big on a striker who will turn 30 this year.
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