OPINION
Newcastle United fans have been through the wringer with the club’s reported hunt for Miguel Almiron.
The Atlanta United star is reportedly one of the Magpies’ top targets this month, with Rafa Benitez keen to sign the 24-year-old on a permanent basis.
Before the window it looked as though Newcastle would face some serious competition for his signature, with several top clubs linked with a swoop for the Paraguay international.
However, when the window began, it became clear that the Magpies were actually the club showing the most interest in the attacking midfield, giving fans hope of a potential deal.
Since then though it has been the same old story for Newcastle, who have not yet submitted a large enough bid to entice Atlanta into a deal.
With the MLS club demanding at least £20million for Almiron, it has looked unlikely that the Magpies would shell out such a fee under frugal owner Mike Ashley.
Many Newcastle fans will have resigned themselves to not signing the Paraguayan playmaker this month, but fresh expert analysis may offer hope to the Magpies as we approach the end of the window.
Speaking to Sky Sports, South American football expert Tim Vickery claimed: “[Atlanta] have already signed a replacement from River Plate, Gonzalo Martinez. He is a similar type of player, a quick, perky, left-footed, attacking midfielder.
“So they have lined up a replacement and now it is all about playing poker until the closing of the transfer window, hoping that either they can get a better deal from Newcastle or they can smoke out some other interest.”
From this verdict on the situation there is definitely hope for Newcastle, with Atlanta obviously playing the market in an attempt to get the best deal possible.
However, with little interest forthcoming so far, the MLS champions may be forced to revisit talks with Newcastle if nothing else materialises.
The fact that they already have a replacement suggests they are preparing for an Almiron exit, and Newcastle definitely remain in with a shout.
