Wolves are lining up a £16.5 million bid for West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon, according to club sources.
The Venezuelan front man has been in inspired form this term, scoring 11 goals whilst on loan at Newcastle United. It is understood that the Magpies are looking to make his move permanent in the summer, however Wolves could serve as a good alternative for the 29-year-old, considering his current ties with the West Midlands.
If manager Rafa Benitez remains in charge at St. James' Park, Rondon would be keen on staying put in the North East, but with question marks surrounding the Spaniards future at the club, the South American may look elsewhere.
Rondon has settled in well at Newcastle, hitting double figures this season for the first time in his career in England, and although his £16.5m release cause isn't believed to be a problem, it is his wage concerns that could prove an issue for the Magpies.
Last summer, talks of a permanent deal broke down after Rondon and his agent reportedly demanded too much money. A year on, after a successful season and with the cash-rich Wolves involved, it is likely those demands would have risen even more which could prove a stretch too far for Newcastle, who are famously stringent when it comes to shelling out on new players.
Raul Jimenez remains the first choice striker at Wolves, but with their involvement in the Europa League next season considered, the club will definitely need to bring in reinforcements throughout the summer to ensure they are able to cope with the demands of competing in both the league and Europe.
Newcastle would have to look elsewhere to fill the void left by Rondon should he remain put in the Midlands, with Hoffenheim's Ishak Belfodil, Benfica's Haris Seferović and Bayer Leverkusen's Lucas Alario all lined up as potential replacements.
