With speculation both at home and abroad mounting over the pursuit of striker Salomon Rondon, Newcastle will still have “every chance” to sign him on a permanent basis.
This week saw interest emerge from Turkey, with Fenerbahce said to be keen on the Venezuelan, who is currently preparing for the start of the Copa America.
The South American tournament is actually helping Newcastle, as they continue to negotiate with Rafa Benitez over an extended contract, before starting their summer recruitment drive.
The report claims that Benitez signing a deal may be the best opportunity for the player to return, with his signing said to be one of the key demands in the Spaniard’s talks.
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The player himself loved his time at the club so much that he is willing to give Newcastle as long as he can, in a bid to adorn the number nine jersey again next season.
Talks may not be as advanced with other clubs as was thought
Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham have both been named as potential destinations for the forward, with the former said to be leading the race.
But the Chronicle claim talks between the two Premier League teams and Rondon’s representatives are not as advanced as has been reported in the national press.
That should be encouraging for Newcastle fans, who are desperate for Newcastle to break with their transfer policy in order to bring the player back on a long-term deal.
Whether Benitez stays or goes should have no bearing on Newcastle attempting to sign Rondon.
In fact, quite why securing a deal for a player who excelled week upon week, and impressed so much that he was named player of the season, is, frankly, mind-boggling.
It would be extremely doubtful that a replacement striker, with proven goal-scoring experience in the Premier League, could be bought for that price in the current transfer market.
So we would urge Lee Charnley and Mike Ashley to get Rafa’s contract sorted immediately, and make Rondon their first major signing of the off-season.