George Caulkin reveals why Rondon's move from West Brom to NUFC has now been 'delayed'

According to The Times' George Caulkin, Dwight Gayle's reluctance to leave Newcastle United is 'delaying' Salomon Rondon's potential arrival at the club - with the pair in talks over a part-exchange.

Given this deal has gone a little quiet over the last 24 hours, this is a much needed update from George - a man who's known to be one of the more reputable reporters when it comes to all things NUFC.

Here's what he's had to say on the deal on Twitter when a Newcastle fan asked him by a Newcastle fan if a deal was close:

"As things stand, I don't think Gayle wants to leave NUFC which is both fair enough and impressive in many ways.

"So that is delaying things (for Rondon's move)."

https://twitter.com/CaulkinTheTimes/status/1024354344647438336

So, it seems Gayle's preference to stay at Newcastle is holding up the Rondon deal - suggesting that we're reliant on Gayle leaving if we're to sign the West Brom striker?

As George alludes to, it's positive to hear a player be keen to stay and fight for his place at the club, but it seems as though Benitez is happy for him to leave - with Rondon clearly deemed an upgrade on the current Newcastle number 9.

In an 'ideal world' (a phrase I use lightly given  this transfer window has been anything but ideal), we'd keep Gayle and sign Rondon, allowing both to compete with new boy Yoshinori Muto in the striking department - but it seems like Gayle may have to be sold to fund a move for the Venezuelan (possibly due to his £16.5m asking price that we've clearly been reluctant to pay).

Let's hope this one gets sorted out one way or another as soon as possible.

There's not long left now and a deal for a new striker is NOT one we can afford to miss out on with just 9 days to remaining for Rafa.

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