'I'm looking' - Eddie Howe drops transfer hint amid £20m Newcastle United exit claims

Miguel Almiron looks likely to stay at Newcastle United - a decision that will divide supporters.

Reports in January linked the Paraguayan with a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Shabab.  Almiron - who has two years remaining on his contract - snubbed the offer. 

Speculation has continued into the summer given Almiron’s underwhelming performances last season. While there were highlights, including that memorable opener against Paris Saint-Germain, failing to replicate the previous campaign’s heroics raised questions about his future.

Almiron has registered just 29 goal contributions from 177 appearances since joining in 2019. Astonishingly, that includes just six assists - less than Jacob Murphy managed last season alone.

Newcastle are understood to have a right-sided attacker and a centre-back on their shopping list this summer. However, Eddie Howe wants to keep Almiron and is “looking forward” to coaching the Paraguayan in 2024-25.

“Miggy’s been unbelievable for Newcastle, long before I came, but also since I’ve been here he’s been an absolutely pivotal player, a key player,” Howe said after the pre-season win over Hull City. “We love him, we love his personality, we love working with him. He’s come back with a big smile on his face so I’m looking forward to working with him again.”

The forward’s agent, Daniel Campos, admitted in May that the Magpies do not wish to lose the 30-year-old. He said: “Other Premier League clubs have asked about him, but Newcastle don’t want to sell him. The Arab market is hovering there. There may be news, but he is comfortable.”