Newcastle United's failure to resolve Rafa Benitez's contract situation before the Premier League campaign ended has emboldened rival clubs who hope to sign Salomon Rondon this summer.
Wolverhampton Wanderers have held an interest in the Venezuelan since January, while Everton have also contacted the forward's representatives.
In the past few days, West Ham United have also turned their attentions towards Rondon , too, with the east London club having baulked at Celta Vigo's £40million asking price for Maxi Gomez.
The advantage Wolves think they hold over Newcastle when it comes to signing Salomon Rondon
The longer Benitez's contract discussions drag on - the Spaniard met with owner Mike Ashley and managing director Lee Charnley in London on Thursday and, while dialogue has continued over the past few days, the Spaniard is yet to sign the new deal offered - the more chance there is of Rondon being tempted to move elsewhere.
The forward excelled during his time on loan at Newcastle from West Bromwich Albion in 2018/19, scoring 11 goals and providing seven assists in 30 Premier League starts.
West Brom's elimination from the Championship play-offs - they lost to Aston Villa on aggregate at the semi-final stage - means the Baggies will sell Rondon during the transfer window, which opened last week.
The Magpies will only pursue a permanent move for the striker should Benitez sign a new Newcastle deal and, even then, it is unclear whether they will meet the £16.5million release clause in Rondon's contract.
Worryingly, as things stand, Newcastle's only out-and-out senior striker is Joselu - and, not only has the 29-year-old failed to start a Premier League game since Boxing Day, but he is destined to leave this summer.
As a result, should United fail to acquire Rondon permanently, they will need to add at least two forwards to their squad during the current transfer window.
The advantage Wolves think they hold over Newcastle when it comes to signing Salomon Rondon , West Ham hope the 29-year-old will be enticed by the prospect of moving to London.
Privately, Rondon has stressed his desire to continue playing for Newcastle, as long as Benitez remains in charge. And, if Benitez does sign a new deal, then it appears highly likely that United will explore the possibility of bringing Rondon to Tyneside permanently.
Dwight Gayle - who scored 24 goals on loan at the Hawthorns - and Jacob Murphy could be offered as makeweights in any potential deal, given that the Newcastle hierarchy are reluctant to pay £16.5m for a player who will be 30 come September.
It was Rondon's age which deterred United from signing the Venezuela international permanently last summer, with a bespoke loan swap for Gayle instead agreed with West Brom late in the summer window.
Matt Ritchie identifies the player he believes made a 'huge difference' to Newcastle in 2018/19
