Newcastle United manager Rafael Benitez has made Salomon Rondon his priority target in this summer transfer window.

Benitez believes the Venezuelan is the type of a classic striker the Magpies desperately need and has put managing director Lee Charnley on the case.

Rondon is expected to depart from relegated West Bromwich Albion and his release clause is £16 million.

Benitez is clearly unhappy with forward options as last year's signing Joselu failed to impress, Aleksandar Mitrović fell out of favour and was loaned to Fulham in January.

The Serbian attacker was replaced with Leicester's Islam Slimani, but he made only four appearances with no goals scored.

If he fails to bring Rondon in, Benitez will turn his attention to Sporting Lisbon's Bas Dost, claim the Northern Echo.