CandH Exclusive by Hugh Southon
West Ham are tonight hoping they won’t be hit by a double blow in 48 the next 24 hours having learned that Salamom Rondon has opted to join Newcastle boss Rafa Benite in China with Dalian Yifang.
The Hammers learned, as they returned to make a new bid for the player, that he had made his mind up to join the former Newcastle boss with whom he was on loan last season.
Now the Irons, having bid €50 million for Maxi Gomez – the price on his buy out clause – are left to sweat it out that they can entice Maxi Gomez away from Valencia.
However, we were assured this evening (Sun) that the club have four or five alternatives lined up should they lose out in the race for Manuel Pellegrini’s priority marquee signing.
The ClaretandHugh senior source revealedby e mail: “Rondon will be on his way to China and we are not giving up on Maxi. We have met the €50 million buyout.
“The Rondon thing is gone and we need to sort out the No 1 striker first as Arnautovic’s replacement will cost double what we got for him. We have four or five options on our list of strikers.
O Benitez’s new club got off to a wining start beating Henan Jianye 3-2 tonight.
As long as we have alternatives lined up that’s fine by me.Funny how the 2 players have completely opposite outlooks.Gomez not motivated by money whereas Rondon is doing an Arnoutovic and grabbing the Chinese yen.
Hugh, Peter Graves from sky has reported the Rondon deal to China has hit a snag and that they may be looking again at their options. Any idea if its true?
Let’s move on!!! Let’s sign Brazilian Everton!!!
Mitrovic was one he signed new deal.
Not sure on Belotti
Really wish we go for Haller he had 2 great seasons at Frankfurt 20 goals 12 assists last season just turned 25 6’3 so well rounded two feet top league for air duels 7 a game physical technical Benzema-Esque striker #9 meets #10, new Cf meets old Tgts CF just can do it all & makes shots count take lewe then 2 a game but avgs goal every 2 games & quick on break get in behind hold bring onut wol scoring wingers in to play w his creation. Tailored made for PL any league IMO will be Giroud replacement for France but better. With 2 years left thought £30-40m can get so say £31m which is snip for a 40m rated player. I prefer him to Gomez or Mitrovic really.
And was open to PL move in interview last season but need to move on him before signed new deal like Weghorst or Mitrovic or gets signed by another club Man U where linked. Perfect Arnie replacement w out attitude & great work rate would be a fan favourite & could help him get into France Squad. Plus low wages.