Pards in SOS to Salomon

NEW West Brom boss Alan Pardew has challenged Salomon Rondon to stop the Baggies’ January striker search.

Pardew, whose side face Swansea today, is considering a move into the market for extra firepower next month.

But he says his current strikers, led by Rondon, have the chance to end the search by going on a pre-Christmas goals surge.

“I haven’t seen these players yet and I don’t know what they can offer,” said Pardew, whose side drew 0-0 with ® Crystal Palace in his first game in charge.

“When you play a different way, which I do, some offensive players might get more joy.

“With Jay Rodriguez, Hal Robson-Kanu, Matt Phillips and Salomon Rondon, there’s enough talent there, so let’s see if it comes through.

Forced

“If it does, then I might not need anyone new.”

Venezuela star Rondon has scored just three Premier League goals in 2017 but former boss Tony Pulis was forced to stick with the £12m signing after failing to sign a striker in the summer.

“I really liked him when he played under Tony against me,” said Pardew.

“He was a problem for my defenders and I still think he is a problem.

“Hopefully I’ll squeeze a little bit more out of him in terms of his performance and certainly his goal record.

“His performances and work-rate are difficult to knock really – he always looks committed to the task.

‘‘Maybe we can improve his goalscoring and confidence. Goals give you that.”