Mags’ new striker Rondon will get to wear famous No 9 shirt

New signing Salomon Rondon will wear the No 9 shirt at Newcastle United.

The striker has joined the club on loan from West Bromwich Albion.

And Rondon, a long-standing target of United manager Rafa Benitez, said he was “honoured” to sign for the club.

The 28-year-old said: “It’s an honour to be here, and I’m excited to get started with my team mates.

“The clubs were talking for a long time, and now I’m focused on the season to help my team-mates to get the points to do well this season.

“It’s one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League, and I knew about the interest of the gaffer, so I’m happy to be here.” Newcastle have paid a £2million loan fee for Rondon, a Venezuela international. Rondon is the club’s sixth summer signing. Benítez, said: “I am delighted to sign Salomon. “When we were looking for options up front, we knew how important experience would be.

“Salomon has been in the Premier League for a while, and he knows how demanding it is.

“He, together with Yoshinori Muto, will give us different options, and will improve the competition between the strikers, which is always positive for the team.”

Rondon, in the last year of his contract at The Hawthorns, will be a free agent next summer.

Meanwhile, United striker Dwight Gayle has joined West Brom on loan as part of the deal.

Gayle has worn the No 9 jersey for the past two seasons.

West Brom head coach Darren Moore said: “This deal was in the best interests of both clubs.

“Dwight is a proven goalscorer in the Championship. He’s quick and sharp off the back of defenders, and I believe he will add to our goal threat.”

Gayle, 28, said: “The manager attracted me.

“He’s really enthusiastic about my game, I’m buzzing and I can’t wait to get started.”