No free transfer for Rondon

Salomon Rondon will NOT be available on a free transfer next summer – after West Bromwich Albion took up an option in his contract.

Newcastle United signed the striker on a season-long loan on transfer deadline day last week.

Dwight Gayle joined the Championship club, also on loan, as part of the arrangement.

Rondon had entered the final year of his contract at The Hawthorns, and the 28-year-old – who had had a £16.5million release clause in his deal – would have been available on a free transfer next summer.

However, West Brom are understood to have taken up the option of an additional year, meaning his contract with the club now runs until 2020.

Rondon, handed the No 9 shirt, made his United debut in last weekend’s 2-1 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at St James’s Park.

The Venezuela international – who had come off the bench in the club’s Premier League opener – struck the crossbar in the second half as Rafa Benitez’s side pressed for an equaliser.

Yoshimori Muto, signed from Mainz, also made his debut against Tottenham.

Rondon said: “We came on to the pitch, it was open, and we just tried to help the team and score goals, of course.

“The (atmosphere) when I came on was very nice – it was very nice for me.

“I was very happy, and proud to make my debut. It was a pleasure, and I have to keep going to help the team.

“Settling is a difficult process – you have to find a house and get kids settled in the schools – but I hope it can be quick. It’s a good move for me, and I’m very happy.”

Rondon is pushing for a start against Cardiff City on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Cardiff manager Neil Warnock wants the Cardiff City Stadium rocking for the club’s first home game back in the Premier League.

“We’re going to need everyone working together,” said Warnock,

“We’re going to need this stadium buzzing on a matchday, because if you look at all the teams that come up, it’s important to get points at home throughout the season.

“The stadium has to play its part.”