Everton have reportedly become close to completing the deadline day capture of forward Salomon Rondon from Chinese club Dalian Pro.
Toffees manager Rafael Benitez, who managed Rondon at Newcastle United and Dalian Pro, is said to be keen to reunite with the Venezuelan in Merseyside.
Such a link follows the departure of Moise Kean, who left for Juventus on a loan deal earlier on deadline day, leaving Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison as the only senior recognised strikers in the first-team squad.
According to Sky Sports News, Benitez - who was appointed at Everton in the summer - is now keen to add the Venezuelan to his ranks at Goodison Park before the transfer window shuts at 11pm.
After guiding Newcastle United back to the Premier League and consolidating their top-flight status, Benitez brought Rondon to St. James' Park on a loan deal from West Bromwich Albion for the 2018-19 season, and he netted 11 goals in 32 league appearances as the Magpies achieved a 13th-placed finish.
The Spanish manager then signed Rondon just two weeks after joining Chinese club Dalian Pro in 2019, and he hit 14 goals and seven assists in 27 appearances in the Chinese Super League before joining Russian outfit CSKA Moskow on a loan deal for the remainder of the 2020-21 campaign.
Sam Varley
