Journalist reveals the striker NUFC now look set to sign as Mitrovic 'closes in' on big money move

The Chronicle's Lee Ryder claims Newcastle 'should' now be set to complete a £16.5m deal to sign Salomon Rondon after news from the capital today that Aleksandar Mitrovic is 'closing in' on a £20m move to Fulham.

It was confirmed by Sky Sports yesterday that we'd made an official approach to sign Rondon from West Brom, however they insisted that we were only likely to pay his release clause (opposed to a loan) if and when we sold Mitrovic.

Now Mitrovic's move to Fulham is close to completion, it looks like we'll finally press on and pay up for Rondon - although this does almost confirm that we're only prepared to buy once we've sold?

Here's what Lee Ryder's had to say in reaction to news that we're set to receive £20m for the Serbian, suggesting this 'should' now result in us activating Rondon's release clause:

'Newcastle United are poised to bank £20million for Aleksandar Mitrovic

'It’s a deal that Benitez will be happy to get done with a fee of £20million being spoken about by United and Fulham.

'Mitrovic’s exit should result in Salomón Rondón heading to Tyneside on a £16.5million deal from West Brom.'

So, it seems quite clear now that Rondon is the man we're looking to sign.

All sorts of claims have emerged over the past few days on that deal, with several suggesting we tried and failed to sign him on loan, however you'd think we'll get this one tied up once the Mitrovic money arrives.

It's not ideal (having to sell before you buy) and it remains to be seen whether Rondon will be the answer, however I'll back him if he's the man Rafa wants - even if he's nearing 30 and has never been prolific at Premier League level.

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