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West Ham target Salomón Rondón could be reunited with Rafael Benitez in the Chinese Super League, according to Sky Sports.

Benitez joined Dalian Yifang after parting ways with Newcastle United, he could be taking his star striker from last season with him.

He signed Rondón on loan from West Brom last year and was repaid with 11 goals and seven assists.

West Brom are now looking to sell the Venezuelan, who has a £16.5million release clause, as reported by The Daily Mirror, with the Hammers among those interested.

While Benitez worked with Rondón, so did Manuel Pellegrini – as they paired up during their time at Málaga. Regardless, it is worrying that Rondón has been approached by someone he clearly worked very well with last season.

The Hammers’ last offer for him was £14 million plus Sam Byram, as reported by Football Insider and Football League World, but with the Chinese Super League club sniffing around, if West Ham truly want the Venezuelan they should trigger his release clause soon.

These developments couldn’t have come at a worse time, with negotiations for long term target Maxi Gómez in a vital stage, as reported by ExWHUEmployee.

There are no guarantees the Hammers will get the Uruguayan, but while it seemed West Ham could take their time over getting Rondón, as is usually the case, someone has snuck up and put that into jeopardy.

With Marko Arnautović, Andy Carroll and Lucas Pérez already gone, it is imperative West Ham get some strikers in for the new season.

While there is a chance Gómez could still be coming to London Stadium, it is vital there are other options who can be bought in alongside or instead of him – which is why the suggestion Rondón could be heading elsewhere is so concerning.