When it was announced that Rafa Benitez will be leaving Newcastle this week, the likely chase for Salomon Rondon seemed to have left with him.
But a report in the Daily Star suggests that the Magpies’ interest in the Venezuelan striker remains solid, at least from the West Brom end anyway.
According to Luke Dowling, West Brom’s Sporting Director, they are still looking to sell Rondon this summer, and insist they do not want him to remain for the last year of his contract and leaving on a free in 12 months.
The report quotes that Dowling said: “Salomon has had the taste of Newcastle.
“He went back to a Premier League club and if he plays in England that’s where he wants to be.
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“As we understand it Newcastle still have an interest in him.”
Benitez wanted to build a side around Salomon Rondon
Rondon was thought to be the priority signing for Benitez, had he stayed, and the fans also want to see last campaign’s player of the season return.
But whether the new man to take charge would see Rondon as the striker he wants to build a side around is not known until someone is appointed.
They may have a different vision completely.
But it also remains to be seen whether Rondon – who took to Twitter to wish his manager last season well – would want to return without Benitez at the helm, is also open to question.
We think it is unlikely that the striker will be wearing the black and white shirt next season.
If that is the case, then his contribution last season will never be forgotten by the Newcastle faithful.