Newcastle United boss Rafa Benitez is set to decide upon his list of targets ahead of the January transfer window in a meeting to be held this week, according to the Chronicle.
The newspaper reports on its website that Atlanta United playmaker Miguel Almiron is a prime target for Benitez in the New Year, and that the board have been informed of what is needed to sign the playmaker after “extensive negotiations” with the MLS club.
Benitez has identified the three areas that need the most strengthening – a left-back, an attacking midfielder and a striker.
The report also states that if Almiron proves to be beyond their reach, they will look at other options, including loan signings from Europe.
OPINION
Newcastle most certainly need to have a good transfer window in January following the relative lack of business in the last one. The fans know that there are a number of areas which the club need to improve upon, and it is paramount that they address these in the New Year. They cannot go on for the rest of the season with rather limited resources, especially after being shown up by a number of their rivals – most notably West Ham. It was glaringly obvious in that 3-0 loss that Newcastle’s lack of spending had completely backfired on them, especially when you compare it to how much the Hammers spent in the summer. Almiron obviously remains as one of their main targets and this does not come as much of a surprise, but Newcastle have demonstrated before that they can easily get priced out of moves with big players. Hopefully this is not the case, but if they do not end up signing him, at least they have alternatives.
