Newcastle United may be forced to sell in January if they want to make any additions to their squad and Miguel Almiron is one player being targeted by clubs as deadline day approaches.
HITC Football have previously reported that Newcastle have received an approach from Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab for the Paraguayan international.
Miguel Almiron initially arrived at St. James’ Park from Atlanta United for a then club-record fee of £20m.
However, after five years with the club, he may be let go and if he is, then Newcastle should look to target another winger who is currently on the market.
Newcastle star Almiron could leave in January
It’s very clear that Eddie Howe is in desperate need of some reinforcements this month.
The squad has been stretched incredibly thin by a huge number of injuries in virtually every position.
Joelinton is the latest player to suffer a long-term setback and HITC Football understands talks between the player and the club over a new contract have broken down.
Teenager Lewis Miley has played more league minutes this season than both Sven Botman and Callum Wilson in the Premier League this season, a scenario no one could have imagined in the summer.
However, the Magpies are really struggling to be able to afford to bring any new players in right now.
They’ve been heavily linked with Kalvin Phillips in the past but he now looks set to join West Ham.
The Man City star would have been a fantastic option but the loan fee was considered too high.
Losing Almiron in January might be the step backwards Newcastle need to take in order to take two steps forward.
Almiron no longer just a cult hero but Newcastle’s energetic dynamo
It’s safe to say that life at St. James’ Park wasn’t immediately easy for the 29-year-old.
In his first three-and-a-half seasons at the club, he managed to score just nine league goals and provide three assists.
His return simply wasn’t good enough but in the Eddie Howe revival, it could be argued that no player improved as much as Almiron.
He scored 11 goals in the league last season and helped Newcastle miraculously qualify for the Champions League.
If Almiron does depart Newcastle in January, then he will be remembered as not only an incredibly popular player, but the perfect example of everything that Howe has done right on Tyneside.
Newcastle should look to Saudi to replace Almiron if he goes
While the January transfer window hasn’t been particularly active yet, it only takes one domino to fall before a flurry of moves suddenly happen.
HITC Football understands that Newcastle are one of several Premier League teams who have held conversations about signing 24-year-old winger Jota.
Life in Saudi Arabia hasn’t gone to plan for the Portuguese who was left out of Al-Ittihad’s squad and has managed just 137 minutes of domestic football this season.
However, he would surely be available for a fraction of the £25m Celtic sold him for in the summer and he’s keen on a move to the Premier League.
And his last year in the Scottish Premiership was a triumph, scoring and assisting 11 goals a piece.
Newcastle may end up keeping hold of Almiron in January if the Saudi Pro League don’t match their valuation for him.
But if he does go, Jota might be the right man to replace him as he looks for a fresh start.
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