The Shields Gazette reported on July 6 that Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez had identified West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon as his top striker target, and Southampton should do everything they can to hijack any move.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Shields Gazette report that Benitez wants to bring the Venezuela international, who is said to have a release clause of £16.5m in his contract following the Baggies’ relegation to the Championship last term, to St James’ Park with signing a new centre-forward being one of his main transfer priorities before the transfer window slams shut on August 9.
With Aleksandar Mitrovic looking to be on his way out and Joselu yet to make his mark for the Toon, it is certainly no surprise that Rondon is a target and he would bring plenty of quality and Premier League experience with him to Tyneside.
He would also boost a United side that only scored 39 times in their 38 top flight fixtures in 2017/18, and while his goal tally of 28 goals in 120 games for West Brom may seem slightly modest, the 28-year-old brings far more than just goals and hasn’t exactly been playing for a club where chances are created regularly.
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Why should Southampton hijack any move for Rondon?
Well, ever since Saints lost Graziano Pelle to the Chinese Super League in 2016 they appear to have struggled without a focal point as a lone striker, and it was one of the reasons they nearly suffered relegation to the Championship last term.
While Charlie Austin has proven he is a goalscorer, he struggles in the centre-forward role because of his general lack of pace, mobility and aerial ability, and someone like Rondon would prove to be a huge upgrade in that respect.
The South American is strong, can hold the ball up and is decent at winning headers – when it comes to keeping possession or scoring goals – and he could prove to be vital to helping the likes of Nathan Redmond and Mohamed Elyounoussi in the upcoming season.
At £16.5m he is well in the price range of Southampton, who must hijack Everton’s bid to sign a 2018 World Cup colossus, too.
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