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The Birmingham Mail have released a detailed questions and answers piece on the futures of Salomon Rondon, Dwight Gayle and Jacob Murphy.

What's the story?

As well as providing updates on the situations of both Gayle and Murphy, the article from Joseph Chapman has some worrying comments on Rondon, at least as far as Newcastle fans are concerned.

Asked if Rondon’s loan deal could be made permanent, Chapman said: “Rafa wants it, the player wants it but do the hierarchy?

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“The biggest problem at the moment is United’s transfer policy - a decree from Mike Ashley - is not to make serious funds available for a player aged over 27.

“That’s why the deal wasn’t done in the summer, because Benitez wasn’t going to be given £16.5m in addition to the sizeable wages and long contract to broker a permanent deal.

“Behind-the-scenes, we’ve heard all season that a permanent deal is unlikely for this reason.”

Sounds ominous

Ashley’s transfer strategy has taken plenty of stick over the last few years, and rightly so.

The infamous Magpies owner’s “under 27” policy has actually paved the way for some brilliant signings though, with the likes of Miguel Almiron, Jamaal Lascelles and Ayoze Perez all sure to be worth far more than they were when they joined the club.

This represents smart business, but it does not necessarily equate to success on the pitch.

And until Ashley learns that the results on the pitch are just as important as the ones in the boardroom, then Newcastle fans should be very worried indeed.

It sounds like the Rondon deal that fans are so desperate for could be off the table, so where should the Magpies look for alternatives? Newcastle fans, let us know your thoughts in the comments below…