Newcastle in talks to land £16.5million Mitrovic replacement

Newcastle are in talks with Championship club West Brom to sign striker Salomon Rondon, according to Sky Sports.

It is reported that the Venezuela international has a £16.5m release clause in his contract and that Newcastle boss Rafa Benitez views him as a replacement for Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Newcastle have stepped up their interest in Rondon after the Serbian hitman’s proposed transfer to Fulham, which is close to completion, with Mitrovic currently in London for a medical.

The move for Rondon could also involve Toon attacker Dwight Gayle going in the other direction – either in a straight loan-swap or a player-plus-cash deal.

Gayle was an unused substitute in Saturday night’s goalless draw with FC Porto.