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Newcastle United must act quickly to sign Rondon and Zinchenko

By Durim Halimi

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on March 4, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - MARCH 04: Oleksandr Zinchenko of Manchester City runs with the ball during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Chelsea at Etihad Stadium on March 4, 2018 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /
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Two talented players are available on the market at affordable prices, yet Newcastle United are not jumping at the opportunity.

At the time of this writing, Salomon Rondon and Oleksandr Zinchenko are still up for grabs and Newcastle United would be the perfect home for both players. Rafa Benitez is desperate for finding players who can transform Newcastle into a top six contender.

Both players are on the market at affordable prices for a combined total of £32 million. On one end, there is Salomon Rondon who has extensive Premier League experience with 108 appearances for West Brom.

On the other end, is a 21-year-old rising star in Zinchenko who can be a future playmaker and leader for Newcastle. The problem is that West Brom and Manchester City are entertaining offers for both players. Newcastle have been linked to both players, which is a good sign, but the Magpies continue to miss out on players.

The Key To Success?

Will Rondon and Zinchenko be enough to take Newcastle over the hump of mid-table status? Only time would tell, but I think the answer is yes. Rondon averaged eight goals a season for a weak West Brom roster with little support from midfield.

At Newcastle, Rondon has the potential to become a top ten goal scorer with the Magpies. The depth Newcastle enjoys in midfield is envious for most clubs. Rondon, up top as the lone striker, would appreciate the help from a talented supporting cast behind him.

Unlike Rondon, Zinchenko is more of a gamble for Newcastle, but one worth taking. The Ukrainian international plays as an attacking midfielder. The problem with the 21-year-old is that he has only made eight total appearances for Manchester City in the top flight.

His lack of playing time makes it difficult to create a well-rounded scouting report, but in his minimal playing time Zinchenko has shined. To put things into perspective, Zinchenko has successfully completed 672 passes in eight matches (84 per match).

At the moment, Jonjo Shelvey is the only true facilitator on the roster. Shelvey could use all the help he can get to move the ball forward. If Newcastle are as interested in Zinchenko as reports claim, then they must make an offer quickly. Fulham and Wolverhampton have made official offers to Manchester City so time is running out for Newcastle.