Significant progress on £11m Newcastle United deal expected by the end of the week

Newcastle have sanctioned the Paraguayan’s exit as he closes in on an emotional return to his former club. A deal will reportedly be worth £11million in total, though it has not yet been fully finalised.

Sources close to the MLS club say things are moving slowly but are hopeful of significant progress in the coming days.

Almiron made 70 appearances during his previous spell with Atlanta, scoring 22 goals and providing 21 assists. He was a major part of the team that won the MLS Cup in 2018.

A few months later in January 2019, Almiron joined Newcastle for a then club-record £21m. Six years on and the 29-year-old has fallen down the pecking order at St James’ Park.

Almiron has made only four starts this campaign and 13 appearances in total, finding himself behind Jacob Murphy, while Anthony Gordon and Harvey Barnes have been used on the right-hand side of attack.

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 explained by the head coach himself: “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.”

Almiron has made 222 appearances for Newcastle 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.”