According to The Sun, Newcastle United will need to break their transfer record if they are to sign West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon.

Newcastle are ready to move for Rondon but they will need to pay a club record fee of £16.5m for the physical centre-forward.

Rafa Benitez wants a new striker this summer and he is a fan of the Venezuela international.

Rondon has been with West Brom for three years since joining from Zenit St Petersburg and he has netted 28 times in 119 games for the West Midlands outfit.

He has a £16.5m release clause in his contract, which Newcastle are considering activating.

The 28-year-old scored seven Premier League goals last season - and a further three in cup competitions - but could not prevent West Brom's relegation.

Newcastle face competition from Premier League new boys Cardiff City for Rondon's signature.

West Brom have no say in the transfer if a club activates his release clause and they want to keep him for their Championship campaign, although he favours a Premier League switch.

The Verdict

Rondon is a big physical striker, known more for his power rather than his finishing and he is a useful squad player.

But it is a hefty price tag for a player with a mediocre goal scoring record.

If Newcastle do want a big striker, perhaps they should just look to Aleksandar Mitrovic instead.

West Brom fans - What do you make of this? Let us know below...