Speaking exclusively to The Transfer Tavern, former Newcastle United defender Steve Howey believes the Magpies need to steer well clear of Salomon Rondon this summer.

The Dalian Professional striker, who spent a season on loan at Newcastle back in 2018-19, has been linked with a return to England.

According to The Sun, Rondon is attracting a lot of Premier League interest, including from ex-manager Rafael Benitez and Everton.

Howey, however, has warned his old side not to get involved, suggesting that Rondon has probably regressed after spending time playing outside one of the big leagues.

"I would steer clear of him if I'm being honest," the ex-Newcastle centre-half told TT. "I mean, I thought he did really well at Newcastle. But without being disrespectful, the Chinese league is not the best standard in the world.

"It's certainly not the Premier League. Players don't go there to better themselves; the only thing they better is their bank balance."

One injury to Callum Wilson, who managed to score 12 goals in the Premier League last season, and Newcastle suddenly do look very weak up front.

They certainly could do with another striker when you look at the goal records of Joelinton and Dwight Gayle in English football's top flight. From Howey's point of view, though, Rondon is probably not the answer.