According to a recent report by the Express, Newcastle United are currently locked in negotiations with Atlanta United over a potential transfer of their Paraguayan midfielder Miguel Almiron during the January transfer window. However, the same report states that the Magpies have to break their transfer record if they want to sign the South American sensation next month.
In a recent episode of the Transfer Talk podcast, mentioned in the Express, Sky Sports reporter Keith Downie said, “The noises coming from Mike Ashley’s side are that there will be money to spend but we’ve heard that before,”
“I think if there was a certain player Benitez wants, and they have money there to spend, I think they’d try and do it.
“Whether it’s the type of money they need, I don’t know, but we know they’re in talks for the Paraguay forward Miguel Almiron.
“There isn’t an agreement in place that has been reported in some quarters but Newcastle are in pole position to get him and it might come early in January.
“Whether that’s a loan deal or a permanent deal, there’s big figures involved in that.
“This is a guy they value at around £25million so these are big name players.”
Downie’s recent words will be encouraging for the Toon Army as they desperately want their team to improve under Rafael Benitez in January. The Magpies are in need of a proven goal-scorer in midfield and Almiron fits the bill perfectly.
The 24-year-old has featured in 38 matches for Atlanta United this term, scoring 13 goals while creating 13 assists across all competitions. He has been in fine form for the MLS outfit and his remarkable contributions on the pitch has helped his side climb to the 2nd place of the Eastern Conference.
The addition of someone of Almiron’s talents would undoubtedly bolster Benitez’s attacking options at Tyneside. The Magpies currently have the likes of Matt Ritchie, Jonjo Shelvey and Ki Sung-yueng acting as the facilitators in midfield. However, the acquisition of the Paraguayan international would add some much-needed quality at the centre of the pitch which could help Newcastle push for a top half finish in this campaign.
It’s high time that Benitez brought a quality player to St. James’ Park so if Mike Ashley is willing to back this move, then the Tyneside outfit might have a real gem in their hands going into the second half of this campaign.
