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Newcastle have secured the loan signing of West Brom forward Salomon Rondon.

The Magpies were in protracted talks with the Baggies over a move for the Venezuela international forward which eventually saw Dwight Gayle head in the other direction.

The 28-year-old has been identified as one of Rafa Benitez’s top striker targets and although he has a £16.5million release clause it seems as if Newcastle are negotiating a deal which involves Gayle.

Rondon has spent three seasons at the Hawthorns and offers Benitez valuable Premier League experience. Armed with a tireless engine, as well as being good in the air and strong on the ball, Rondon seemingly fits Benitez’s 4-2-3-1 system perfectly.

Newcastle’s application and effort levels were rarely in question and judging by the testaments of former managers, he has the mentality to fit right in with the current group of players at St James’ Park.

Below, we take a look at what Rondon’s previous managers have said about him.

Rafael Dudamel (Venezuela boss)

“If (Luis) Suarez is the best striker in the world or not, I can not discuss it, because he also plays for Barcelona, ​​a team in which he knows how to take advantage, within the collective gear, of the best of his teammates.

“If Rondon played in Barcelona he would also be among the best in the world.”

(Image: AFP)

Manuel Pellegrini

The West Ham boss managed Rondon at Malaga.

“He’s a young man who likes to work hard,” Pellegrini said back in 2012.

“From the outset he’s always shown willingness to evolve and learn day after day. He’s still at that stage where he has a long way to go, but it is a privilege to have him in the team.”

(Image: Getty Images)

Tony Pulis

On his attitude

“It has been Salomon carrying the weight of the world at times.

“We have created chances in games and not taken them. We scored two today but could have had more.

“You have to carry on, and Salomon has been fantastic. His attitude in training, his commitment to work for this group has been wonderful.”

(Image: PA)

On his ability

“He can score with his right foot, score with his left foot.

“He can run away from players. He can score the goal he did against Manchester United. He is capable of scoring all sorts of goals.

“I think if you look at English number nines, people like Ron Davis and people like that, who used to pull off at angles and they would flick the ball for Toshack, I think Salomon has got more pace. He can run in behind, he can hold it up. He has a little bit of everything.”

Gary Megson

Speaking after West Brom’s 1-1 draw at Tottenham last season, caretaker boss Megson heaped praise on Rondon.

“It was the best game I’ve seen Salomon play,” he told West Brom’s official website.

“He led the line really well, he got hold of the ball, he’s obviously scored, and he did ever so well.

(Image: PA)

“He’s now set himself a standard he’s got to try to attain every time he plays.

“He had a good chance late on but I think he was all out on his feet.

“He could hardly move so it would be a little bit unfair if there’s any criticism going his way for missing that - he’d done that much work, he was shattered.”