Newcastle United strike verbal agreement as 'top class' player ready to 'travel and sign'

The Paraguayan joined the Magpies from the MLS outfit for a then club-record £21million in January 2019. Six years on and Almiron has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park.

Almiron has made only four starts this campaign and 13 appearances in total. He has found himself behind Jacob Murphy, while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes have been used on the right wing.

With Barnes and striker Callum Wilson sidelined until February, there is an understanding that Almiron’s departure will leave Eddie Howe light on attacking options. But as alluded by the head coach himself, the financial aspect can’t be ignored amid Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

“It’s not ideal,” Howe said on Friday. “But I don’t think it’s ideal from anyone’s viewpoint. From our side, we don’t want to lose players. But we know that there is a reality to PSR and the ongoing managing of that situation.

“So sometimes we are making decisions not based on football, but based on decisions we potentially have to make for the future.”

According to South America-based journalist Cesar Luis Merlo, Atlanta have agreed to pay £9.7million for Almiron and are negotiating the final details of his contract. Merlo adds that the 29-year-old is “ready to travel and sign”.

The winger was named in Newcastle’s squad for the 4-1 defeat to AFC Bournemouth on Saturday but was an unused substitute. As it stands, that is likely to mark Almiron’s final St James’ Park appearance with Howe’s side away to Southampton this weekend.

Almiron has made 222 appearances for the Magpies and been at the centre of some iconic moments, including his opener in the 4-1 win over Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last season.

“He’s been top class, as you know, his playing persona is his personality,” Howe added. “He comes in every day and lives his life through the football club.”