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Newcastle are set to fight Crystal Palace for the signature of highly-rated Chelsea product Tammy Abraham, per The Northern Echo.
What’s the word?
It is being reported that Chelsea will look to cash in on 21-year-old Abraham in the January market, following the striker’s stunning form on loan at Aston Villa.
The London side inserted a recall clause in the loan agreement, and current Blues manager Maurizio Sarri is not understood to be an admirer of the Camberwell-born wonderkid.
Crystal Palace have already expressed an interest in signing Abraham should Chelsea look to cash in on their player, with suggestions that the Eagles will bid around £10million for his services.
Rafa Benitez had previously tried to lure the Chelsea product to St James’ Park, when he looked to complete a loan deal for the striker upon the Toon’s return to the Premier League.
The deal fell through, unfortunately, when Swansea entered the race and offered a greater financial package. Benitez cannot repeat the same mistakes should Abraham hit the open market come the New Year.
Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…
Outshine Rondon in every way
Salomon Rondon had proved his worth to Premier League sides while at West Bromwich Albion, but the 6 foot 1 striker is struggling to make an important impact since his loan switch in the summer.
Abraham, on the other hand, is a younger alternative but is just as good in the air, and is much more technically-gifted, meaning Benitez can incorporate a wider gameplan than merely having a target man to hold the ball up or meet crosses.
In total, the 6 foot 3 forward has netted 12 times in the Championship so far this season, a strike rate of a goal every 1.3 games.
His arrival on Tyneside would have to be on a permanent basis, given Rondon joined Chelsea prospect Kennedy on loan for the 2018-19 season, but would be a much cheaper alternative to MLS star Miguel Almiron, with Atlanta United said to be chasing a fee that would smash their transfer record.