Out of favour Newcastle star 'considers January exit' to save international career - ‘formal' approach made

Argentinian football heavyweights River Plate are believed to be lining up a shock move for out of favour Newcastle United winger Miguel Almirón in the January transfer window.

The Paraguayan international, who signed for Newcastle in January 2019 from MLS side Atalanta United, has racked up 114 appearances for the Magpies in the Eddie Howe era, but has been limited to just five Premier League appearances this season, which have all come from the subs bench.

So far this term, his only starts have come in the Carabao Cup against Nottingham Forest and AFC Wimbledon although he remained on the bench in the most recent round of 16 victory over Chelsea.

The 62-cap international has long been regarded as one of his country's most important players, but has reportedly been told by his national team manager that he is at risk of losing his place in the starting lineup if he cannot obtain regular first team football.

Almirón has aspirations of playing in the upcoming World Cup in USA, Canada and Mexico in 2026, and according to Argentine outlet TyC Sports ‘wouldn’t frown’ at the prospect of joining River Plate as it is the club he supported as a child.

River Plate, who are amongst the most successful teams in Argentinian history behind Boca Juniors, are currently fourth in the table and trailing behind Vélez Sarsfield in their mission to retain the Primera Division title. They are keen to bridge the gap between themselves and the league leaders and see a player of Almirón’s stature, with Champions League experience as the type that can help improve the team’s fortunes.

TyC sports explains the 38-time winners are open to potentially doing business in January and have made ‘formal and concrete’ contact with Newcastle representatives over the players availability as they also try to strengthen their squad for the inaugural Club World Cup in 2025.

“River is probing, in a formal and concrete manner, the contractual conditions of Miguel Almirón. He’s a River fan, he has a tattoo on his back, and he is currently playing very few minutes in the Premier League.” Said local journalist Renzo Pantich, via Sports Witness.

Almirón has over 18 months left on his deal with the Magpies at this point and the North East club have reportedly given them a valuation of around £18m. Almirón is currently on international duty with Paraguay and is due to face World champions Argentina and Bolivia in a crucial double header of World Cup qualification action.

Paraguay are currently sixth out of 10 teams in the group, leaving them on course to secure a first appearance at a World Cup in 2010 if they can maintain their current form.