'Coming days' - Newcastle United transfer agreement 'close' as 30-goal winger spotted at St James' Park
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Eddie Howe was unable to provide an update on the future of two of his Newcastle United players following the 3-0 victory over Wolves on Wednesday night.
Lloyd Kelly and Miguel Almiron have been linked with potential exits in the last 24 hours. Kelly is the subject of an £11milllion bid from Fenerbahce while MLS outfit Atlanta United are in advanced talks over re-signing Almiron.
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Hide AdThe Magpies are understood to have rejected Fenerbahce’s offer, although it remains to be seen if they will return with an improved bid. Meanwhile, news of Atlanta’s efforts to sign Almiron broke during half-time against Wolves last night.
Both players were named among the substitutes. Almiron was introduced in the 78th minute in place of Jacob Murphy while Kelly remained on the bench.
Howe was first asked about Kelly during his post-match press conference to which he replied: “I've got nothing to give you on that, I've been preparing for the game, I know there are lots of rumours about lots of different things, but nothing's hit me yet.”
Then, when questioned about Almiron, Howe said: “It’s the same. Nothing has hit me or come across my radar.”
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Hide AdThe Athletic’s David Ornstein has claimed talks are at an advanced stage and are on course to be concluded in the coming days after Atlanta tabled an offer in the region of £11m.
With Harvey Barnes sidelined for the next month at least, Almiron’s departure would leave Howe light on wide options, however the funds would boost United’s Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) position.
Almiron has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park having started just two Premier League matches since March. This campaign alone, the winger has been limited to 14 appearances.
The Paraguayan joined the Magpies from Atlanta in January 2019 for a then club-record £21m. He has gone on to play 222 times, score 30 times and been at the heart of some iconic moments, with his opener in the 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last season still fresh in the memory.
Charlotte FC have recently tried to sign Almiron but they have since switched their attention to former Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha.
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