According to reports in the Daily Mail, Everton have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to sign West Bromwich Albion striker Salomon Rondon before the January transfer window slams shut before Wednesday, with Baggies boss Alan Pardew saying he isn’t for sale.
What’s the word, then?
Well, The Sun reported on January 24 that the Toffees were considering making a move for the 28-year-old before the end of the month, after he impressed in his side’s 1-1 draw at Goodison Park last weekend despite being involved in the unfortunate incident that saw James McCarthy suffer a double leg break.
The Sun reported that West Brom could cash in on the Venezuela international if they received an offer in excess of £15m, but Pardew says he won’t be leaving this month.
What did Pardew say?
According to the Daily Mail, he said: “Salomon has been absolutely brilliant since I’ve been here. He has been playing terrific football without getting reward in terms of goals.
“That’s the next part of the ingredient for him, in my tenure here. Salomon is not part of any deal.”
How has Rondon done this season?
The 28-year-old has never been a prolific goalscorer during his time with West Brom – which hasn’t been easy for him considering they don’t often create lots of chances – and it has been the same story for a struggling Baggies side this term.
The Venezuelan has scored three goals and provided one assist in 22 Premier League appearances so far this season, but it his work rate and his ability to throw his body around that make him a huge asset for his team.
According to WhoScored.com, Rondon has made 11 key passes in the top flight this season, while he has successfully completed 28 of the 46 dribbles he has attempted, as well as winning 91 of the 216 aerial duels he has faced.
Is a deal completely dead?
Probably, yes.
Considering Everton have already signed Cenk Tosun in a £27m deal this month, it certainly would have been strange if they brought Rondon to Goodison Park too.
It could be a deal that Allardyce revisits in the summer, but it seems unlikely that West Brom will be willing to let him go for any price before the close of play on Wednesday.