Premier League rivals Southampton and Newcastle United are looking to sign one-time Manchester City youngster Albert Rusnak on a free transfer from MLS outfit Real Salt Lake, as reported by The Mail.
On January 31, Miguel Almiron will celebrate his three-year anniversary as a Newcastle United shirt.
But while the Paraguayan has won plenty of admirers on Tyneside thanks to his relentless work-ethic, even the most rose-tinted of Newcastle supporters would struggle to argue that Almiron has justified of his £20 million price-tag.
The former Atlanta United has produced just eight goals and seven assists in 87 Premier League games, running down more blind alleys than a postman lost on his morning route.
Rusnak, then, will be under pressure to prove that value can be found in the American market if he joins Almiron at St James’ Park next month.
Fortunately, the Slovakia international will not break the bank like his former MLS opponent did.
Is Albert Rusnak heading to the Premier League?
Rusnak’s contract at Real Salt Lake expires at the end of this month.
The 27-year-old never made a first-team appearance in five years as a Man City player but did carve out a reputation as one of the most exciting young players in the Eredivisie during a couple of seasons at Cambuur and Groningen, firing the latter to Dutch Cup glory.
It is on the other side of the Atlantic, however, where Rusnak has really come into his own.
The skilful forward netted 11 times and set up a further seven last season. His devilish dead-balls and impressive finishing skills would certainly come in handy at two of the Premier League’s least prolific sides; Newcastle and Southampton.
“He’s got the talent,” said one-time Man City coach Patrick Vieira ahead of a clash between Real Salt Lake and New York City in 2018 (MLS Soccer).
“When he was at City we saw that talent. He was ready to play ‘man’s football’ when he was 17, 18 years old. (He is one of the) best number tens in the league.”
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