West Brom’s play-off semi-final defeat means that Newcastle United now know the price they will have to pay for Salomon Rondon.
As revealed by ChronicleLive earlier this year, Salomon Rondon facing nervous wait on Newcastle United future - but is on the brink of seeing price tag slashed if the club is in the Championship – and that price will now be set when the Baggies trigger the one-year extension in the Venezuela forward’s deal at the end of next month.
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Albion were beaten 4-3 on penalties by Aston Villa to condemn them to another year in the second tier and provide some clarity on the futures of Rondon, Dwight Gayle and Jacob Murphy.
The biggest issue for United fans is what happens next for Rondon and while Albion’s defeat means he is almost certain to be made available for transfer, it may also complicate matters for Newcastle - who WILL attempt to broker a permanent deal "at the right price". At £16.5million Newcastle will not be the only club interested in signing Rondon, who turns 30 before the season starts, and that could create a bidding war for his services.
Considering Newcastle’s hierarchy were unwilling to finance a six-figure weekly wage last summer, there may be similar reluctance to match lucrative deals offered elsewhere if United’s Premier League rivals like West Ham, Wolves and Everton become involved. As we revealed last year, Wolves approached West Brom to try and sign Rondon in January – only to be told the loan deal with Newcastle was water-tight.
There are several factors that favour United, however – not least the fact that West Brom would like to retain Gayle for another year. Our understanding is that the two clubs have differing views on which player is more valuable, however.
Also in Newcastle’s favour is Rondon wants to re-sign for Newcastle and has told his agent that is his preferred option. But United’s hierarchy have indicated that they will expect his agent to be reasonable in terms of a fee and for the player to acquiesce to Newcastle’s wage structure to make the deal happen.
Much will rest on talks that will follow a Rafa Benitez resolution – with both Albion and Newcastle considering themselves to be tough negotiators. As of this week there have been no conversations between Newcastle and West Brom and the player’s agent. But Lee Charnley opened the door slightly for a move to happen Salomon Rondon deal is an option this summer, confirms Newcastle United MD Lee Charnley .
It is understood that Rondon’s future will be on the agenda when Benitez meets Mike Ashley and Charnley later this week.
Salomon Rondon deal is an option this summer, confirms Newcastle United MD Lee Charnley
