'Top class' forward pictured at Newcastle United training ground — transfer latest
Miguel Almiron trained with his Newcastle United teammates on Wednesday with a move to Atlanta United not yet finalised.
As reported by NewcastleWorld, progress on the deal - rumoured to be worth £11million - is slow but the MLS club remain hopeful of a breakthrough by the end of the week.
The Paraguayan has been given permission to leave St James’ Park having fallen down the pecking order but head coach Eddie Howe has vowed “to use him to the best benefit to Newcastle United until the day he is not here.”
Almiron was named on the bench for last Saturday’s 4-1 defeat at home to AFC Bournemouth and as it stands will travel with the squad to Southampton this weekend. In training pictures released by the club on Wednesday, the 29-year-old was among the players snapped, as was Lloyd Kelly who is linked with a move to Italian giants Juventus.
With Harvey Barnes and Callum Wilson ruled out until February, Howe is currently light of attacking options. In an ideal world he’d like to keep Almiron but accepts that because of Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the financial aspect takes priority.
“It’s not ideal (if Almiron was to leave),” said Howe. “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’s a reality to PSR and the ongoing managing of that situation.
“Sometimes, as we’ve said many times over the last few weeks, we’re making decisions not based on football, but based on decisions we potentially have to make for the future.”
Speculation surrounding his future is nothing new for Almiron, who has been regularly linked with leaving since he turned down a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab last January.
Almiron has been restricted to just two Premier League starts since March but his conduct has been heavily praised by Howe.
“He has been top class. He, as you know, his playing persona and personality is happy. He’s a brilliant professional,” added Howe.
“Miggy is one who will come in and lives his life through the football club. His training performances, his focus, his personality have been very consistent. I have no issues with him on that side of things.”