Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has refuted claims that talks are underway regarding a potential new contract for Miguel Almiron after the forward’s outstanding start to the new Premier League season, speaking to The Chronicle.
Was it Lionel Messi? Was it Kylian Mbappe? No, it was the Premier League’s most improved player; roasting Clement Lenglet before slotting past Hugo Lloris on Sunday afternoon, doubling Newcastle’s lead in North London and securing a statement 2-1 win away from home at Tottenham Hotspur.
With six goals in 12 games, this is already Almiron’s most prolific season in black-and-white. And it’s not even Halloween yet.
The Paraguayan’s current deal now has less than two years left to run. And while Almiron deserves to be considered for an extension, Howe insists talks over a new deal are not underway.
Miguel Almiron’s Newcastle United face Aston Villa on Saturday
“No, I don’t know where that story has come from,” Howe says. “Miggy is someone who I love and respect. But no conversations have started between himself and his representatives.
“We’re in a busy spell of games and all discussions about contracts will take place at a later date.”
Newcastle will face Aston Villa at St James’ Park this weekend, hoping to retain their place in the Champions League spots. Villa appointed former Arsenal, PSG and Sevilla boss Unai Emery as Steven Gerrard’s replacement recently, but he is not due to arrive in Birmingham until next month.
As such, caretaker Aaron Danks will once again be in the dugout for the visitors.
“Last week, they did very well,” Howe says of Villa, who picked up a morale-boosting 4-0 victory over Brentford last time out.
“I watched the game in depth. They started with such a high intensity. You could sense the vibe in the stadium is very good. You saw a team full of energy and enthusiasm. We expect a very difficult game.”
Alexander Isak is unavailable for Newcastle. But Allan Saint-Maximin, Howe says, could start after returning from injury.
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