NUFC to go back in for £16m striker after Benitez misses out on his top target - Report
After alleged 'top target' Alassane Plea completing a £22m move to Germany today, the Chronicle claim Newcastle may now concentrate on a deal for Salomon Rondon - with the West Brom striker's £16.5m release clause yet to be activated.
Sky Sports confirmed that we'd made a £20m bid for Plea earlier this month, however there's been no movement on that front ever since, with Borussia Monchengladbach stepping in to sign him for £22m instead.
Now his arrival has been ruled out, a new move for Rondon appears to be on the cards, with it being reported on several occasions this summer that the powerful striker is high up on Benitez's wish-list.
Here's what the Chronicle have had to say on a potential return for Rondon after Plea sealed a move to Germany:
"United are believed to have offered £20million for Plea two weeks ago but did not return with a second bid.
"However, Nice have since accepted the offer from Gladbach, which includes incentives, meaning United may concentrate on signing Salomon Rondon from West Bromwich Albion."
As ever with NUFC, one big problem appears to be the amount Rondon would actually end up costing us.
He has a £16.5m release clause, but it's been made clear that potential agent and signing on fees would see him cost around £20m himself - and it wouldn't be like Mike Ashley to spend that sort of money on a 28-year-old.
Time will tell, but, with just a few weeks of the window left, it's time we started making some proper moves for a new striker.
