Five possible replacements Newcastle could turn to should Salomon Rondon not return

Newcastle look to be losing ground to their rivals in the race to sign Salomon Rondon permanently from West Brom this summer.

Wolves are now thought to be the front-runners in the race for the Venezuelan’s signature, with West Ham also said to be considering a move.

While Rafa Benitez’s situation still remains unresolved, Newcastle will not be in the frame to do any big money deals, with the club unsure of who will be in charge.

The result leaves the Magpies in no man’s land with Rondon, and although the player would prefer to return to Tyneside, he can only wait around for so long.

With that in mind, we look at five viable options to replace Newcastle’s player of the year for the upcoming season.

Joelinton

His name has been mentioned regarding a move to Newcastle since the January transfer window, with the stories of interest showing no sign of abating.

He would not be a cheap option, however, with Hoffenheim hoping to get around £30-40 million for the Brazilian striker.

He would be a popular acquisition with Geordie fans, and would be the type of player that Newcastle will need to bring in, if they are wanting to put out a statement of intent.

As expensive as he may be, a potential deal is not said to be dependent upon a takeover of the club.

Wesley Moraes

Another Brazilian striker, Wesley Moraes, is another player that has been linked with Newcastle in recent weeks.

Playing for Belgian side, Club Brugges, he has scored 30 goals in his two full seasons at the club.

Another exciting prospect, he could be a better value-for-money signing than Joelinton, with a fee of around £16m being suggested.

A deal will not be easy for Newcastle to complete, however, as Arsenal have been credited with an interest in the player.

Some Chinese Super League sides are also sniffing around the player, and unless Newcastle were sucessfully taken over, there would be no way the club could compete with the salaries on offer in China.

But reports in the last few days have suggested that Serie A side, Lazio, are close to finalising a deal for him.

Tammy Abraham

Newcastle seem to be linked with a move for Chelsea striker Tammy Abraham every transfer window nowadays.

Having been said to be on the verge of arriving at St James’ Park on loan as far back as summer 2017, a move has never come to fruition.

This summer seems no exception to the Abraham rumours, with Newcastle again allegedly looking to make a move for him.

The situation has been complicated, somewhat, with Aston Villa’s successful play-off appearance, resulting in the Villains surely looking to keep their top scorer.

Abraham found the net 26 times during the Championship campaign, but he struggled in the Premier League while on loan at Swansea – netting just five times in 31 league appearances.

With him still unproven at the top level, it would be a bit of a risky move. And with Villa holding all the aces, Abraham landing at St James’ Park next season does not seem too likely.

Danny Welbeck

Arsenal striker Danny Welbeck has been told he can leave the Emirates on a free transfer this summer, with the Gunners not offering him a new deal.

The announcement was made after their last home game of the season, as their departing players made a farewell appearance on the pitch.

Newcastle had already been credited with an interest before the announcement, but the Chronicle claimed that club sources were downplaying the prospect of a move.

At that time, however, Benitez was still expecting to have both his and Rondon’s futures confirmed by now, but with that failing to materialise, a move for the former Manchester United man may be revisited.

The 28-year-old will still have England ambitions, which means the player will have everything to gain from a move to a new club.

It could be a shrewd piece of business by Newcastle, and even if he is brought in as a partner to another striker, it could turn out to be a win-win for everyone involved.

Daniel Sturridge

Like Abraham, Daniel Sturridge is no stranger to Newcastle transfer rumours.

He has been linked on previous occasions, including the time he was expected to arrive at Newcastle Central Station to complete a loan move, only for the waiting Newcastle entourage to be left on the platform to hear he had gone to West Brom instead.

He was again said to be on Newcastle’s radar, having allegedly been offered the player just months after his snub.

Following Liverpool’s Champions League success last weekend, Sturridge has been non-commital about his future.

However, Liverpool announced yesterday that Sturridge will leave the Anfield club when his contract expires at the end of the month, meaning he will be available on a free.

Whether we would look to make a move for the former Chelsea striker is up for debate, but when he leaves, Newcastle are sure to be mentioned as a potential destination.