According to the Northern Echo, West Brom have set their price tag for Salomon Rondon.
The report states that the Baggies want to get rid of the striker in the summer, and want £16million for his services.
The Venezuelan is on loan at Newcastle and has been a revelation, leading the line perfectly for Rafa Benitez.
To allow Rondon to arrive in the summer, Dwight Gayle had to go the other way. Gayle has also been amongst the goals at his new club, scoring 16 times in the Championship so far. While his reputation has been damaged after a dive against Nottingham Forest, his goal record in the second tier cannot be questioned.
In the Championship for Newcastle, Gayle found the net 23 times.
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Can a swap deal with Rondon and Gayle be done?
The Northern Echo also state that West Brom would be interested in a swap deal. Gayle is valued at around £10million, meaning a deal of £6million plus Gayle for Rondon could be done. This would be perfect for all parties.
Firstly, Benitez gets the striker he wants. Rondon is perfect for the manager’s style of play and signing him permanently could be key to keeping Benitez at St James’ Park.
Secondly, Mike Ashley doesn’t have to spend as much money on a player approaching 30. £16million is a fair wedge of cash for a player of his age, but £6million is surely a much more manageable amount.
Thirdly, West Brom get a perfect Championship striker on a permanent deal. The Baggies are currently fourth in the Championship, aiming for promotion back to the Premier League.
If they don’t go up, signing Gayle permanently would be a good piece of business ahead of the next campaign.
Promotion for West Brom might change this, as Gayle has proven that he isn’t quite up to Premier League standard. Then again, manager Darren Moore might still want to take a punt on Gayle even if they do become a Premier League club again.
A swap deal is perfect for all involved. Make it happen.