Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has hinted that the club will be in talks to sign West Bromwich Albion loanee Salomon Rondon on a permanent deal at the end of the season, according to reports from the Northern Echo.

The 29-year old netted a brace for the Magpies against AFC Bournemouth at the weekend - taking his tally up to three goals in eight games for the North East club since his arrival on loan from the Baggies in the summer.

And when asked about the Venezuelan's future at the club, Benitez revealed that United's managing director Lee Charnley will hold talks with the powerful forward at the end of the season, should he keep up his impressive performances in front of goal.

"I don’t know the terms of the contract or when we discuss that - if he keeps scoring goals, Lee Charnley will be looking at the terms of the contract and worrying about that", the Spaniard said.

"He was the number one target because of the price - I liked the player, I was in contact with his agent working on the possibility."

This could be huge boost for the Baggies, as Dwight Gayle, who was an exchange for Rondon in a swap deal, could now remain in the West Midlands for good, after this latest development.

The 28-year old, who returned from a short spell on the sidelines against Leeds United at the weekend, netted his 9th goal in 15 games for the Baggies, who now sit 5th after an emphatic victory at the weekend.

The Verdict

Things never really worked out at The Hawthorns for Rondon during his short spell with the club, so the news that Newcastle may be looking to sign him permanently will be music to Albion fans' ears.

They are likely to pay a hefty fee for the forward's signature with a reported £16million release clause in his contract, and if Gayle were to stay at The Hawthorns, it could prove to be a shrewd piece of business.