Newcastle have 'cheeky' loan offer for striker rejected

The West Bromwich Albion is one of Rafa Benitez's summer targets.

Rondon, out of contract next summer, has a £16.5million release clause in his contract at the relegated club.

However, Newcastle are reluctant to pay what would be a club-record fee for a 29-year-old.

And the Express & Star claim that Newcastle have had a "cheeky" loan offer for Rondon rejected by West Brom.

Newcastle manager Benitez was today asked about the club's striker search ahead of tonight's friendly against Dublin side St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park.

"I'm quite confident, but it's a question of when," said Benitez. "We're working on that."

United plan to fund their move for a new striker by selling £20million-rated Aleksandar Mitrovic, who is expected to join Fulham.