The Shields Gazzette has reported that Newcastle are close to signing West Brom striker Salomon Rondon by activating a £16.5m release clause in the Venezuelan's contract. This would leave the Baggies seriously light up-front and they must re-invest the money into another striker if they have any hope of bouncing straight back up to the Premier League.

What's the story?

Newcastle's signing of Rondon may rest on whether they are able to offload Aleksandar Mitrovic this summer, with Mike Ashley keeping a tight grip on the club's coffers. However, if the Magpies' attempts to sign West Brom's target man do come to fruition, the West Midlands club will be left with just Jay Rodriguez and Hal Robson-Kanu as out-and-out strikers.

Rondon managed 10 goals in all competitions last season, which may not sound like the most impressive return but the 28-year-old also acts as a focal point and is a perfect out-ball when his team are under pressure.

Soccer Football - Premier League - West Bromwich Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur - The Hawthorns, West Bromwich, Britain - May 5, 2018 Tottenham's Davinson Sanchez in action with West Bromwich Albion's Salomon Rondon Action Images via Reuters/Jason Cairnduff EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player pu

Another player who offers this potential out-ball to his side, and is someone who West Brom should look to as a replacement, is Peterborough's Jack Marriott.

Whereas Rondon uses his strength and power to hold the ball up when it's cleared, Marriott uses his pace to run the channels and latch onto balls played over the top of a defence, allowing his team to get up the pitch.

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In demand

After scoring 33 goals in all competitions last season for Peterborough, including 27 in League 1, it is no surprise that a number of Championship clubs have been linked with a move for Marriott.

The Bristol Post reported that both Bristol City and Derby County have had bids rejected for the 23-year-old and that Nottingham Forest and Leeds United are monitoring the situation.

According to The Sun, Peterborough are demanding £6.5m for their star-man and owner Darragh MacAnthony confirmed on Twitter that the club had rejected bids already in this transfer window.

West Brom would have to move quickly to sign Marriott but they would be well placed to offer Posh the full asking price if Rondon is to leave the Hawthorns. The Beverley-born striker would be a perfect replacement and there is little doubt that he will be able to perform and score goals at a higher level than he is currently at.

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