According to both the BBC Radio Newcastle and Sky Sports’ Keith Downie, Salomon Rondon’s move to Newcastle is now ‘close’ to completion – with finally set to seal a ‘loan swap’ that will see Dwight Gayle join West Brom in return.
Sky claim that a £2m loan fee will be paid to West Brom for the Venezuelan, with the swap deal expected to be completed over the weekend according to the BBC.
The deal was believed to have ‘stalled’ just a few days ago, with Gayle’s reluctance to leave one of the key factors, however it now looks like an agreement has been reached, seeing Rafa get his man in Salomon Rondon and West Brom sign a proven Championship striker in Gayle.
Here’s the latest on the deal from both BBC Radio Newcastle and Sky’s North-East reporter Keith Downie:
⚫️⚪️ BREAKING: BBC Sport understands West Brom striker Salomon Rondon is close to joining @NUFC. The Venezuelan isn't involved for the Baggies Championship match against Bolton today, and the deal could be completed this weekend. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/KJ5klW15We
— BBC Newcastle (@bbcnewcastle) August 4, 2018
Understand Rondon-Gayle swap deal is close to completion. Straight loan-swap with Newcastle paying a fee of around £2m for the Venezuelan striker. Could be done in the next 24 hours.
— Keith Downie (@SkySports_Keith) August 4, 2018
Here’s what Rafa’s had to say when asked about the Rondon/Gayle deal after today’s 0-1 defeat to Augsburg at St James’ Park:
“You (the media) are clever enough to know we are trying to do things. I can say nothing yet but hopefully we have some news in a couple of days.
“(On Gayle) We are working, trying to do things – as you know – and we will see in a couple of days if we have some news.”
Rondon has agreed terms with #nufc and is ready to sign. Loan swap is in place subject to Gayle agreeing terms. Meaning Gayle could return in future. Loan fees will also be involved if deal rubber stamped. More to follow. #wba
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) August 4, 2018
Looks like it’s FINALLY happening folks.
It’s all a bit too little too late, but I for one am very happy with this. Rondon is a handful, a hard worker and a player who’s far better suited in the lone striker role in comparison to Gayle and Joselu.