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Rondon has been a big hit on Tyneside following his season-long loan from West Brom and manager Rafa Benitez is keen to make the switch permanent.

An agreement is in place for the Venezuelan international, who scored in Friday’s 3-1 friendly win against Lionel Messi’s Argentina, to join any interested club for £16.5m providing the Baggies aren’t promoted to the Premier League.

If they are then the price goes up. But owner Mike Ashley is reluctant to sign off any transfer due to the striker turning 30 in September.

Ashley, who has failed to sell the club, has told Benitez he is prepared to sanction another big deal following the success of the club record £21m capture of Miguel Almiron.

But he is only prepared to fund moves for younger players whose value in the transfer market is likely to increase during their time at St James’ Park.

His stance over Rondon comes at a critical time, with negotiations over a new contract for Benitez on-going.

Ashley wants the Spaniard to stay and there is new three-year deal on the table.

(Image: GETTY)

(Image: GETTY)

But before he signs it Benitez wants assurances that Ashley will deliver the necessary cash to strengthen the Toon squad.

A reluctance to sign permanently a player who Benitez feels has been a success during his spell on Tyneside, could threaten the former Liverpool manager’s long-term future.

Other Premier League clubs, including Everton, are monitoring the situation and are ready to move in for the striker if Newcastle continue to hesitate.