The gap between Newcastle United and the Premier League relegation zone is increasing with the club's latest win against Huddersfield Town having only added to that over the weekend.

Loan signing Salomon Rondon grabbed the only goal of the game with a strike 10 minutes into the second half to give his side all three points, and Rafael Benitez has since hinted the 29-year-old's temporary spell at St. James' Park could become a permanent one if he maintains his current form.

The Breakdown

"It will be fine," Benitez was quoted saying by the Independent when asked about Rondon's long-term future. "Hopefully he can start scoring a lot of goals, and then you can ask me this in a few weeks and hopefully it can be positive then, too.

"I am happy with him, but still he can improve. I think he is doing a great job for the team, but we maybe have to support him a little bit more."

Based on Benitez's recent words, a deal to acquire £11.7m-rated (Transfermarkt) Rondon permanently looks to be on the cards, and that is something that should delight supporters.

After a slow start to life at St. James' Park following a transfer that saw Dwight Gayle head in the other direction to West Brom for the season, Rondon has really come alive in recent weeks and looks to be an ideal Premier League centre-forward.

On top of the four goals he has scored in his last six league fixtures, Rondon has also led the line well for the Magpies with his strength an all-round strong hold-up play.

If he can add some more proficiency to his game, which Benitez is demanding from the Venezuela international, then keeping him beyond this campaign could be huge.