- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Newcastle United have yet to make a move in the January transfer window but interest is quickly growing in some of their key players.
HITC Football understands that Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab have made an approach for star forward Miguel Almiron.
Eddie Howe’s side might have to sell this month if they want to strengthen and clubs from around the world are taking interest.
Offers for Kieran Trippier and Callum Wilson have arrived – which have been blocked for the moment – but Al-Shabab are now willing to pay a substantial price for Almiron this month.
Saudi side Al-Shabab approach Newcastle star Almiron
HITC Football believes that Almiron is open to the prospect of moving before deadline day next Thursday.
However, sources close to Newcastle believe that the club are working hard to move on several fringe players rather than a perceived big name.
Javier Manquillo’s move to Celta Vigo was confirmed yesterday, while Newcastle want to move on the likes of Isaac Hayden, Emil Krafth and Matt Ritchie.
Furthermore, they would like to facilitate the permanent sales of Jamal Lewis and Ryan Fraser who are currently on loan at Watford and Southampton.
Newcastle facing very tough January transfer window
Eddie Howe has been hamstrung by injuries for much of this season and it’s had a real effect on their performances.
They were unlucky not to progress in the Champions League and ended up dropping out of Europe entirely.
Newcastle look unlikely to qualify for Europe’s top competition again next year and may have to settle for a place in the Europa League or Europa Conference League.
HITC Football understands that Howe’s side are likely to miss out on Birmingham City star Jordan James who has an asking price of more than £10m.
To add further misery, HITC Football understands that after suffering a serious injury, talks with Joelinton over a new contract have also broken down.
Dominic Solanke is also a target for the Magpies, but it looks unlikely that Bournemouth will sell the 26-year-old this month.
Almiron is too important to sell this month amid injury crisis
Newcastle are enjoying a welcome break in their fixtures right now but the lengths their squad has been stretched to this season have been ridiculous.
Lewis Miley has starred after unexpectedly becoming a key player for Howe but at 17 he should never have been called upon this regularly.
During their defeat to Manchester City last weekend, Howe had three defenders, two goalkeepers and three youngsters to call on from the bench, with Lewis Hall the only player to get on the pitch.
Losing Almiron would be a huge blow for Newcastle but if Al-Shabab have made a big offer for the Paraguayan he might end up playing in the Saudi Pro League to help the Magpies balance the books.
It is now up to the club to find a solution and quickly to avoid this transfer window completely unravelling.
Mourinho rejects potential Almiron link-up after Roma dismissal
HITC Football have also been told by sources that Jose Mourinho has turned down the chance to manage Al-Shabab less than a week after leaving Roma.
The Saudi side sacked Igor Biscan with the team 11th in the Saudi Pro League.
Ironically, Al-Shabab play Roma in a friendly on Wednesday which would have been the Portuguese’s first game in charge.
Al-Shabab were prepared to make Mourinho one of the highest-paid managers on the planet during talks with his agent Jorge Mendes.
Mourinho is understood to be assessing his options and it is believed he could very well wait until the summer for his next role.
He has been linked with both Newcastle and Napoli in recent weeks and he would be interested in a move to St. James’ Park, however, they’re not currently keen on hiring the 60-year-old.
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