Newcastle, West Brom swap Rondon, Gayle loan deals

Newcastle and West Brom both confirmed Monday they have agreed to an exchange of loan deals for the 2018-19 season, with Salomon Rondon joining the Magpies for the upcoming campaign and Dwight Gayle heading the other way.

Rondon scored seven goals last season but could not save the Baggies from Premier League relegation, while Gayle netted six as Newcastle finished 10th in England's top tier.

Following the unorthodox swap deal, Rondon spoke highly of new boss Rafa Benitez, who was eager to add the 28-year-old to his ranks at the Tyneside club.

"It's an honor to be here and I'm excited to get started with my teammates," the Venezuelan international said in a statement. "The clubs were talking for a long time and now I'm focused on the season to help my teammates to get the points to do well this season.

"It's one of the biggest clubs in the Premier League and I knew about the interest of the gaffer, so I'm happy to be here."

For Gayle, the switch returns the striker to the Championship where he scored 23 goals in 32 matches during the 2016-17 season.

"This deal was in the best interests of both clubs," West Brom gaffer Darren Moore said in a team announcement. "Dwight is a proven goalscorer in the Championship. He's quick and sharp off the back of defenders and I believe he will add to our goal threat."