Transfer Rumour: Manchester United eyeing deadline day move for Salomon Rondon

Manchester United are reportedly plotting a shock deadline day move for Salomon Rondon after missing out on Krzysztof Piatek.

According to a report by The Times, Salomon Rondon is the latest striker to be linked with a late move to Manchester United. The Venezuelan striker, who currently plays for Chinese Super League outfit Dalian Yifang, is set to be courted by the Red Devils over a deadline day loan move.

Salomon Rondon joined Dalian Yifang from West Bromwich Albion, after a four-year stint in the Premier League. The Venezuelan international spent three of those seasons with West Bromwich Albion before joining Newcastle United on loan for the entirety of last season, when he finally flourished in the English top-flight.

The player’s stint in China, meanwhile, has been off to a decent start, with 5 goals and 3 assists in 12 appearances. However, it looks as if Rondon could be primed for a quick return to the Premier League, with Manchester United eyeing a late loan move for the 30-year-old.

Manchester United have been forced into the market for attacking reinforcements after Marcus Rashford sustained a back injury that is believed to have sidelined him for a couple of months. That leaves United with just two reasonably regular goalscorers in the inconsistent Anthony Martial and the inexperienced Mason Greenwood.

The problems of goals from midfield ought to be solved in due time with the arrival of Bruno Fernandes, but attack still needs to be bolstered owing to the absence of Rashford.

Following the aggregate defeat to Manchester City in the Carabao Cup semi-final, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer confirmed that Manchester United are looking for a forward “who wants to break their nose or toes” to score. To that end, a player like Rondon would be an ideal short-term target for Manchester United.

Solskjaer has previously admitted that United would enter the market for temporary solutions after Rashford picked up his injury. Initially, Manchester United had been pursuing Krzysztof Piatek. However, with the Pole joining Hertha Berlin, the Red Devils have had to set their sights elsewhere.

Real Sociedad striker Willian Jose has also been linked with a move recently, but in Rondon, they could sign a who has prior experience in the Premier League. With the start of the new Chinese Super League season indefinitely postponed due to the escalation of the coronavirus epidemic, Dalian Yifang are open to the idea of loaning Rondon out for the rest of the season.

Rondon, with his qualities, could also add a new dynamic to the Manchester United attack, which bodes well for them going forward this term. It now remains to be seen if Manchester United can get a deal for Rondon over the line quickly, if indeed they are interested in him. With mere hours remaining for the January transfer window to slam shut, a frantic end to the winter beckons.