Club's media partner confirms NUFC are now 'prepared to meet' release clause to sign striker
During their latest piece on outgoings at West Brom, The Mirror claim Newcastle United are now ready to pay the £16.5m release clause to sign Baggies striker Salomon Rondon.
It was claimed over the weekend that Benitez was 'showing interest' in the 28-year-old (Daily Mail), backed up by the Northern Echo stating yesterday that the striker was 'under serious consideration' at NUFC - and it appears as though Rafa is now ready to do a deal.
The Mirror's John Richardson has had the following to say on the deal, claiming that West Brom now fear he's off to Newcastle after Benitez gave the green light to activate his release clause:
"The Baggies are fearing an offer from Newcastle which would see coveted striker Solomon Rondon leave.
"Rondon has a release clause of £16.5 million which Toon boss Rafa Benitez is prepared to meet."
If true, I can see his potential arrival being met with a real mixed reaction - mainly based on the fact we are demanding a 'proven' goalscorer and he's only managed 28 goals in three seasons at the Hawthorns.
That being said, I think he's a player who could fit very nicely into Benitez's system. His average tally of just over 9 goals a season isn't great, but a friend of mine who's a season ticket holder at West Brom has often described him as a real handful and hard worker (two things a lone striker needs to be in Rafa's system).
Yes we need more than that - so a deal for him could be a risky one when this summer is meant to be about adding that bit of cutting edge to our side - however I think he could surprise a few if he signed.
Providing we signed another striker to compete with him and share the load, I think he could be a good buy.
The fee may seem steep for a 28-year-old averaging around 10 a season, but £16m is the new £8-£10m when you see how prices have rocketed in recent seasons.
Would you be happy with this folks?
