If Sheffield United are prepared to pay £16.5m then they could open negotiations with West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon.
The Express and Star reports that is Rondon’s release clause, which was activated in 2018 following West Brom’s relegation. If the Baggies had been promoted last season, it would have increased northwards of £20m. However, they lost in the playoffs.
West Ham United have already made an offer for Rondon this summer, but seem reluctant to meet that fee. According to the Mirror their initial bid was £10m plus players. After that was rejected, they are prepared to increase it to £12m with bonuses.
The Hammers aren’t the only club interested in Rondon, though. After impressing on loan at Newcastle United last season, they want to sign the 29-year-old permanently.
Yet with the Magpies currently manager-less following the departure of Rafa Benitez, a move is unlikely until that is resolved.
Benitez has gone to Chinese side Dalian Yifang and the Daily Mail claims he is keen on a reunion with Rondon. Their financial power could give them an advantage over Newcastle, West Ham, or the Blades.
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Pros and cons of Sheffield United signing Rondon
As the Sheffield Star outlines, Blades boss Chris Wilder is keen to sign at least one new forward following promotion to the Premier League.
As things stand, Swansea City’s Oli McBurnie and Neal Maupay of Brentford are the standout targets. However, they are likely to cost £20m each – as reported by Wales Online and West London Sport respectively.
Therefore Rondon already represents a cheaper option. Not only that, but the Venezuela international has bags of experience in the English top flight. To date he has played 140 times in the division, scoring 35 goals.
The potential downsides to signing Rondon are his age – he turns 30 in September – and wage demands. Spotrac claims the South American currently earns £60,000-a-week at the Hawthorns. This is almost certainly far higher than any current Blades player.
That said, with increased finances due to promotion, perhaps the South Yorkshire club should consider making their wage structure a little more flexible.