West Brom and Newcastle reopen talks over Salomon Rondon swap for Dwight Gayle

Rondon was left out of Albion's matchday squad for Saturday's season-opener with Bolton and Gayle didn't feature for Newcastle in their pre-season friendly with Augsburg.

The two clubs were thrashing out a deal over the weekend that will see the players swap places for the coming season on loan and are close to agreeing one.

Newcastle have been interested in Rondon all summer, but have only expressed a desire to take the Venezuelan on loan.

Albion were only willing to loan Rondon out if they received Gayle in return, but there was a sticking point over wages and negotations stalled.

Talks were reopened over the weekend, and now a season-long loan swap is on the cards.

Gayle scored six times for Newcastle in the Premier League last season but was a pivotal part of their promotion campaign two years ago when he netted 23 times in 32 games.

He will be a welcome boost to Albion's options up front following their 2-1 opening day defeat to Bolton Wanderers at home.

The Baggies conceded a goal from an 88th minute corner after Harvey Barnes had scored a stunning equaliser on the stroke of half-time.

"We've got to do better than that because it's part of the game," said Darren Moore afterwards. "West Brom have been very strong over the years at scoring set plays.

"Credit to Bolton to coming up here and executing a game plan against us.

"It's really important that we find ways in the future of breaking that down and being more effective."

Albion struggled to break Bolton down and the home fans started calling for James Morrison to come off the bench, but Moore sent on winger Oliver Burke as his only substitute.

And Moore dodged the question when he was asked if there was any reason Morrison didn't come on, saying: "James Morrison is in the squad and ready to go.

"As and when we'll use Mozza, I'm delighted to have him back. With this long season ahead of us you'll see James Morrison I'm sure."