Following news that the club have agreed a £9.5m deal for Mainz striker Yoshinori Muto, Lee Ryder has confirmed that this will NOT stop us pursuing West Brom’s Salomon Rondon – suggesting that his arrival could now be at Dwight Gayle’s expense.
The Venezuelan striker has been described as Rafa’s ‘top’ striker target ever since we missed out on a £22m deal for Alassane Plea (who went to Borussia Monchengladbach) and it seems both he AND Muto could yet arrive this summer.
Here’s what The Chronicle’s chief sports writer has had to say on a deal for Rondon since news of Muto’s imminent arrival, claiming a swap deal involving Gayle is now a possibility:
#nufc are still looking at signing Rondon despite Muto bid being accepted. Rondon arrival could see Gayle leave. #nufc rejected loan bid for Gayle but swap deal still a possibility.
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) July 26, 2018
“Newcastle United have not given up on signing Salomon Rondon – despite the impending arrival of Japan international Yoshinori Muto.
“The Magpies remain in talks with West Brom about the possibility of bringing in the former Malaga striker.
“But the deal could now hinge on whether Dwight Gayle is prepared to drop down into the Sky Bet Championship and ply his trade at the Hawthorns.”
“Newcastle rejected the possibility of Gayle going to West Brom on loan last week, but Muto’s move from German club Mainz could change that.
“Although, Gayle’s exit to West Brom could end up being a permanent one if the numbers stack up correctly for the Baggies.
“The relegated Premier League side will also have to make Gayle an offer he can’t refuse in terms of wages.
“No agreement on personal terms has been thrashed out between Gayle and his agent with the Hawthorns club just yet.
So, it looks like Rafa wants TWO strikers, however the fact Gayle may have to leave to allow Rondon to sign shows just how limited our budget must be at present. Whether Gayle is prepared to go to West Brom also remains to be seen based on the above.
Hopefully that increases if and when Mitrovic’s move to Fulham goes through, however that deal appears to be in doubt if Sky’s latest update is anything to go by.
Interestingly, Lee insists that Schar, Muto and Rondon are players Rafa does want to sign – but hints that they are players slightly further down his wish list due to him being ‘restricted’ by our ‘spending pot’ (or lack of one in this case):
His choices yes. But restricted by spending pot.
— Lee Ryder (@lee_ryder) July 26, 2018
Would you be happy if we brought in both Muto and Rondon at the expense of Mitrovic and Gayle?
I would love Gayle for rondon please make it happen
Roy Amphlett(Quote)