BRITT ASSOMBALONGA’S Middlesbrough future could be the key to Newcastle United’s pursuit of West Brom striker Salomon Rondon.

Assombalonga is being targeted by a number of Championship sides, but sources close to Boro insist that there has not been any offer so far.

West Brom are considering him as a potential replacement for Newcastle target Rondon, who looks certain to leave because of a £16.5m release clause.

Newcastle have tried with a loan bid until the future of Aleksandar Mitrovic has been resolved, with the expectation being that he will be on his way to Fulham.

Once Newcastle have decided whether to meet the release clause to sign Rondon, then the Baggies are sure to firm up who they want as a replacement.

Assombalonga, who only moved to Boro last summer in a £14m deal, is one of the most proven Championship goalscorers around at the moment.

But he has not found life under Tony Pulis to be straight forward even though he has appeared a couple of times already during pre-season – and he could play against Augsburg in Germany on Wednesday night.

Leeds United, Nottingham Forest and Birmingham have also been credited with an interest, but West Brom should have more cash to spend because of Premier League parachute payments.

Boro are interested in Baggies winger Matt Phillips too, who is rated in a similar bracket in terms of a transfer fee.

Cardiff City manager Neil Warnock is keen on Matt Phillips but admitted yesterday: “I was interested until I found out he was £15m.”

Boro are likely to be reluctant to pay that sort of fee ahead of another season in the Championship unless more funds are raised.