West Ham are now firm favourites to sign West Brom striker Salomon Rondon, according to the Northern Echo.

The North East based newspaper reports that Newcastle are unlikely to retain an interest in the Venezuelan international after having an initial bid rejected.

The Magpies are said to have offered less than the bid made by the Hammers last week and won’t follow that up with another offer.

Rafa Benitez’s departure as manager means Rondon is no longer a priority target for the club, with Newcastle focused on finding Benitez’s successor.

It leaves the path clear for West Ham to seal a deal for Rondon if they can match the asking price. They will have to up their first bid with West Brom insistent that any team pay the £16.5m release clause.

The Irons reportedly had an offer of £10m, plus Sam Byram and Jordan Hugill, turned down by the Baggies.