Newcastle United set for £20m winger talks as Bruno Guimaraes progresses

Almiron’s side lost their Group D opener to Colombia before a heavy 4-1 defeat at the hands of Bruno Guimaraes’ Brazil confirmed their elimination. Costa Rica then inflicted a whitewash on Paraguay in a 2-1 loss that saw Almiron, booked in the 34th minute, withdrawn at half-time.

"It was a bad tournament, a bad performance," under-fire boss Daniel Garnero said in the early hours of Wednesday morning. "I am here because the association requested my services and if they don't want me to continue, that is their decision. I'll have to discuss that with them."

While Guimaraes gets prepared to face high-flying Uruguay in the quarter-finals on Sunday, Almiron is on his way home from the United States. He will now enjoy some time-off before returning to Newcastle United for pre-season later this month.

But the 30-year-old is facing an uncertain future. The Magpies were prepared to sell Almiron at the beginning of the year when they received an offer from a Saudi Pro League club, believed to be Al-Shabab. The decision was ultimately left to the player and he decided not to up sticks mid-season.

Interest from the Middle East still exists and Newcastle are reportedly open to offers in the region of £20million. Eddie Howe is keen to recruit a new right forward as it is the only position he hasn’t strengthened since being appointed head coach in November 2021.

Almiron is a popular figure on Tyneside having first arrived from MLS side Atlanta United in January 2019 but his goal contributions are somewhat underwhelming having scored 30 goals and provided 12 assists in 209 appearances.