Great news - Mike Ashley gives Rafa Benitez the green light to seal summer signing number six
According to The Chronicle, Mike Ashley has now 'come round' to the idea of signing Salomon Rondon - with Rafa Benitez now expected to complete the signing of the West Brom striker over the 'coming days.
We've been in talks to sign Rondon for several weeks now and although a deal for a player nearing 29 seemed to go against the club's tedious transfer policy, it sounds like Rafa has now got the green light to get it done.
It sounds like the deal will also see Dwight Gayle go the other way.
Whether this mean a straight 'loan swap' or a player plus cash deal remains to be seen, but The Chronicle now claim that the Venezuelan's move to Tyneside could go ahead in the next few days - with West Brom now said to be resigned to losing him.
Here's their latest update on the deal, with Lee Ryder now confirming that the club have now given Rafa the go ahead to sign him:
'Rafa Benitez hopes to complete the signing of Salomón Rondón in the coming days
'The Rondon deal has been an on/off saga for Rafa Benitez throughout the summer transfer window but his board now seem to have come round to the idea that it’s a good deal.
'Initially Benitez was told that Rondon did not fit the club’s criteria as far as their recruitment policy was concerned.
'But with Dwight Gayle potentially heading to West Bromwich Albion as part of a swap deal, Rondon’s £16.5million fee will be reduced significantly.
'Gayle is yet to agree terms to sign for the Baggies but Benitez has already admitted that he could leave the club IF it means United end up in better shape because of it.
'But Benitez is expecting money to spend after Mitrovic left United for Fulham.'
Has the sale of Aleksandar Mitrovic finally allowed us to push this one through?
I'm still not convinced that we'll be paying his £16.5m release clause, however the cost of that will be offset by whatever West Brom are prepared to pay for Gayle - unless it is in fact a straight loan swap.
The Chronicle also claim that West Brom boss 'wants a deal done' for Gayle before their opening day encounter with Bolton at the weekend, so it sounds like there's now a willingness on both sides to get this one done and dusted.
He's not been prolific at West Brom (although who would be under Pardew, Pulis and Gary Megson?!), but I for one thing he could be quite a handy signing. He's a real handful, will give 110%, he's surprisingly quick/mobile and he's strong in the air.
If he can just add a few goals to his game he'll be a very useful player for us - and I back Benitez to get the best out of him.
Either way, let's get right behind him if and when he signs.
