Premier League Newcastle United are reportedly sending Steve Nickson to watch Atlanta United’s MLS star Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle United’s head of recruitment Steve Nickson is packing his bags for a long haul trip across the Atlantic.
According to the Chronicle, the Magpies’ talent-spotter is set for a trip to the United States for talks with Atlanta United over the future of the coveted Paraguayan play-maker Miguel Almiron.
Almiron has scored and assisted 26 goals in 38 games across the 2018 MLS season and he looks every inch the all-action number ten that Rafa Benitez has wanted at St James’ Park for some time.
But, with the Mirror (live blog, 10.13am) reporting that the South American star will cost a club-record £25 million, Nickson should use his trip to the US to check out potential alternatives, especially with Almiron also allegedly attracting interest from West Ham, Arsenal and Tottenham.
Atlanta United are due to go head-to-head with New York Red Bulls in the semi-final of the MLS Cup tomorrow, and Red Bulls have their own assist machine who would surely cost a lot less than £25 million.
Like Almiron, Alejandro Gamarra is a Paraguayan international with a habit of opening up defences. The 23-year-old has assisted 15 goals this season, two more than Newcastle’s big money target, while scoring eight himself. He is also renowned for his set-piece ability, his dribbling skills and penchant for producing something out of nothing, In short, he could be the difference-maker Newcastle need.
According to Transfermarkt, Gamarra is valued at a bargain £3.6 million. Something for Nickson and co to consider if Almiron proves to be little more than a pipe dream.
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