Newcastle United interest in £29m star 'on hold' as deal collapses after talks

Officials from the MLS club landed in the UK on Monday in an ambitious attempt to sign the 30-year-old before tonight’s US transfer deadline. But following discussions, they have been unable to come up with the necessary funds that would tempt the Magpies into selling.

Almiron - who turned 30 in February - still has two years left on his contract, putting Newcastle in a position to command a fee north of £15million. When you consider that a record transfer fee for a MLS club is £12.5m - Thiago Almada to Atlanta United - a deal always appeared unlikely.

The collapse of the Almiron talks could - for now - put Newcastle’s interest in Chelsea’s Noni Madueke on hold. As reported by iNews, United would have targeted a move for the 22-year-old had the Charlotte talks been successful.

Madueke signed a seven-year contract when he joined the Blues from PSV Eindhoven for £29m in January 2023. He has scored nine goals in 46 appearances, although had struggled to nail down a regular spot in the starting XI until the back end of last season

That said, Almiron could still leave St James’ Park in the coming weeks if another offer arrives.

There have been major question marks over the Paraguayan’s future since he turned down a move to the Saudi Pro League at the beginning of the year. As reported by NewcastleWorld, United were willing to let him leave but the player himself decided against making such a major move mid-season.

Almiron has gone to make 209 appearances for the Magpies, scoring 30 times since joining from Atlanta United for a reported £21m in January 2019. Eddie Howe hinted recently that Almiron remains part of his plans for the upcoming season, which gets underway at home to Southampton on Saturday.

Howe said: “He has been unbelievable for Newcastle. Long before I came but since I have been here he has been an absolutely pivotal and key player.

"We love him, we love his personality and we love working with him. And he's come back with a big smile on his face. So I am looking forward to working with him again."