Journeyman striker says Man Utd’s last-minute interest was genuine

Salomon Rondon has confirmed Manchester United were interested in making a late move for him in the January transfer window.

United were in a panic as they tried to get in a last-minute replacement for the injured Marcus Rashford and they made numerous approaches for forwards.

United finally agreed a deal with Chinese club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua to take Odion Ighalo on loan for the rest of the season, but not before they had made approaches for the likes of Josh King, Krzysztof Piatek and Danny Ings, while Islam Slimani, Dries Mertens were also linked, as well as former West Brom man Rondon.

The Times reported Rondon, who played for West Brom and Newcastle United between 2015 and 2019, emerged as a late target for United.

Rondon, scored 35 Premier League goals in 140 games for Newcastle and West Brom, “could be available on loan” from China, reported the paper and the player has confirmed the talk “was not smoke”.

Rondon spoke to Spanish newspaper AS to confirm the story. He was asked about the reports linking him to United last month.

The Venezuelan said: “There was something. It was not smoke. They were rumours and very strong. In the end it could not be specified and now I have to focus on Dalian.”

Rondon moved to Dalian Yifang to join up with Rafa Benitez last summer, but after the Chinese Super League cancelled the start date of the new season because of the escalation of the coronavirus epidemic, the player, as well as numerous other foreign imports were said to be looking for moves.

Dalian Professional are currently training in Marbella with the start of the Chinese Super League, scheduled to kick off on 22 February, delayed indefinitely.