Sky Sports confirm NUFC's move for Salomon Rondon - but claim he'll only sign on one condition
Sky Sports have confirmed that Newcastle have now approached West Brom over a deal to bring Salomon Rondon to St James' Park - however they claim that we'll only agree to meet his £16m release clause if and when Aleksandar Mitrovic is sold.
The Serbian is still on holiday following his involvement in the World Cup this summer, however his potential move to Fulham could be finalised once he returns.
Sky claim that Fulham must pay 'in the region of £18m' to sign him on a permanent deal and it sounds like we'll only be willing to sanction a £16m deal for Rondon if that sale goes through - proving once again that Rafa really does have to sell before he can buy this summer.
Here's what Sky have had to say about the two deals this afternoon:
'Newcastle have spoken to West Brom over the potential signing of striker Salomon Rondon.
'Sky Sports News understands the striker has a £16m release clause in his West Brom contract but Newcastle are unlikely to meet it unless they sell Aleksandar Mitrovic.
'The Serbian is wanted by Fulham on a permanent basis following an impressive loan spell at Craven Cottage last season, but the newly-promoted Premier League side would need to pay in the region of £18m.'
https://twitter.com/SkySportsPL/status/1019219567569235969
So, Rondon is clearly a target of Rafa's - that much is clear - however it sounds like we're going to have to 'wheel and deal' if we want him (or any other striker) signed.
It's not how it should have to work after we received £100m plus in prize money last season, but this is the sad reality of life under Mike Ashley's ownership.
Let's hope player sales pick up and signings follow. After all, that sounds like Benitez's best hope of getting deals done unfortunately.
