Newcastle United are reportedly close to signing Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron from the MLS.
Matt Ritchie has jokingly stated that Newcastle’s potential new signing Miguel Almiron ‘better not’ take his place in the team as he admitted that his arrival would provide a boost to the team.
BBC Sport claim that the Premier League club are set to sign the 24-year-old for a club-record fee, with the highly-rated youngster travelling to Tyneside for a medical.
Rafa Benitez’s side picked up a valuable 2-1 win over champions Manchester City on Tuesday night, with Salomon Rondon and Ritchie finding the back of the net.
The Scotland international offered his thoughts on Newcastle’s potential new arrival and revealed what his manager wants during this transfer window.
“Yes, definitely [Rafa will be delighted if the Almiron signing happens],” Ritchie told the Alan Brazil Breakfast Show on 30/01/2019. “All you hear up here is ‘they want signings’, so I’m sure they [the fans] are pleased.
“It will be good for the group because when a new player comes in, it not only boost the fans, it boosts the players as well. I don’t think the transfer record is the problem. It’s about bringing in bodies in, it’s what the manager wants.”
If Almiron does put pen-to-paper then he will be joining a team that is currently sitting a healthy five points outside of the relegation zone.
During his career, the Paraguay international has not played in England, but he has been prolific in the MLS, showing his goalscoring prowess from the middle of the park.
During the recently concluded MLS season, he played 38 matches in all competitions, netting 13 goals and supplying his teammates with the same amount of assists, according to transfermarkt.
After that positive result against City at St James’ Park, Benitez will be turning his attention to Thursday’s transfer deadline before focusing on their trip to Wembley where they will face Tottenham.
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