Rafa Benitez aims to scupper Newcastle United's hopes of signing Salomon Rondon

Rafa Benitez aims to scupper Newcastle United's hopes of signing Salomon Rondon - and lure him to China

Rafa Benitez is preparing a bid to lure Newcastle United target Salomon Rondon to China – according to reports.

Published 7th Jul 2019, 08:00 BST- 1 min read

Updated 7th Jul 2019, 09:00 BST

Rafa Benitez is plotting a move for Newcastle target Salomon Rondon

The striker enjoyed a stellar spell at St James’s Park under Benitez, and is thought to be in demand this summer after netting 12 times for the Magpies during a season-long loan from West Brom.

Newcastle themselves have not given up hope of securing a permanent deal for the 29-year-old, who has a £16.5million release clause in his contract with the Baggies.

But there is now fresh competition emerging from China, with Benitez keen to reunite with the striker at Dalian Yifang.

The Daily Mail claim that the Spaniard is looking to swoop in and seal a permanent deal for the forward – who Albion are keen to offload this summer.

Premier League side West Ham remain keen too, but Benitez’s strong relationship with the player could prove a swaying factor.