According to ChronicleLive, Newcastle United have rejected a bid from MLS side Charlotte FC for winger Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle are preparing for their Premier League return with their upcoming game this weekend against newly promoted side Southampton at St James’ Park.
The Magpies have been active in the transfer window with the addition of John Ruddy, Lloyd Kelly, William Osula and Odysseas Vlachodimos, whilst Lewis Hall’s loan success earned him a permanent contract to remain on Tyneside.
Eddie Howe will be hoping that last season’s injury crisis will be a thing of the past and with the return of Sandro Tonali expected in the coming weeks, the manager will be feeling optimistic about the depth in his squad as he navigates an improvement in performances and consistency on the pitch.
In terms of outgoings, Yakuba Minteh was the latest loss at the hands of PSR concerns that needed to be addressed joining Brighton and Hove Albion, Elliot Anderson joined Nottingham Forest and a number of free agents including Matt Ritchie, Lorius Karius and Paul Dummett were let go.
It is unclear as to whether Newcastle will do anymore business before the transfer window closes at the end of this month, however, there has been constant conversation around the future of Paraguayan international Miguel Almiron.
At first, it was thought the right winger would be shipped off to Saudi like Allan Saint-Maximin before him, but nothing materialised and Almiron maintained his clear desire to remain in the North East.
Yesterday it was reported that MLS club Charlotte FC’s representatives had flown to England to negotiate a deal for Almiron to join them, and an offer was thought to be tabled.
ChronicleLive have now revealed that this morning Newcastle United have rejected the bid and are keen to keep their forward on the books for the season ahead as he is seen as a valued member of the first team squad.
As per the report, the Magpies do not see the value in letting their 30-year-old striker go for cheap to free up squad space and have been given a 48-hour deadline to make an offer that makes sense for both parties, as the US transfer deadline looms.
It is further noted that Newcastle have made it abundantly clear to the player over the weekend that he is part of their plans and would remain a key member of the first team squad in the event he stays.
Should Newcastle sell Miguel Almiron?
There is no doubt that should an outstanding offer come through from Charlotte it would be difficult for Newcastle to reject, but only if there was an opportunity to immediately and effective his contribution on the right flank.
Over 209 appearances for Newcastle, the Paraguayan – once dubbed “unique” by Howe – has scored 30 goals and registered 12 assists, with a goal contribution every 344 minutes so far, which isn’t the most desirable level of output for a right winger.
Having said that, Almiron has significantly improved under the coaching of the former Bournemouth boss and has offered much more in his approach than before the Saudi-led takeover.
Over the Sela Cup weekend, the Newcastle boss addressed the rumours at Almiron’s position at the club is not safe:
“Miggy’s been unbelievable for Newcastle, long before I came, but also since I’ve been here he’s been an absolutely pivotal player, a key player.”
“We love him, we love his personality, we love working with him. He’s come back with a big smile on his face so I’m looking forward to working with him again.”
With that being said, it would be interesting to see just how much it would take for the club to part ways with Almiron this summer, however, with everything considered, especially the manager’s stance, it is looking extremely unlikely he will leave during this window.
