According to the North-East’s reporter for The Mirror Simon Bird, we are set to launch a £15million bid for MLS star Miguel Almiron.
The most positive news about this story is perhaps the line that claims Rafa is now ‘optimistic’ that he will have funds available for the January window – however we have heard that before, haven’t we.
Whilst £15million to any one would not be classed as big money, for us it is a huge amount, although I’m not convinced we’d sign him at that price!
Here’s a snippet from The Mirror’s piece:
“Benitez is ready to launch a £15million raid for Atlanta FC’s MLS star Miguel Almiron.
”The Toon boss is ‘optimistic’ there will be cash to spend in January and admits scouting in America”
The attacking midfielder 13 goals and 13 assists in MLS this season and is being tracked by several other Premier League sides.
We were linked with him back in the summer window, albeit briefly, however it has recently emerged that he is a genuine target of Rafa’s ahead of the January window.
It is unclear if the £15m asking price would be too low however, as the Chronicle reported that Atlanta may be looking more towards the £25m mark just recently.
This is a player who looks an exciting talent, but the MLS is not the highest standard so there is always the element of doubt that he may struggle at a higher level such as the Premier League – would Mike Ashley spend that much money on relatively unproven player?
We are desperate for players in the no.10 position, and the Paraguayan would provide much needed competition for Ayoze Perez – but as always with NUFC, the price could be a sticking point.
IF we did spend the money on a player like this, it would certainly do Rafa’s chances of signing a new deal no harm – however I’m not banking on Ashley breaking our £17m transfer record given history suggests he will not.
If5, but5 and b0110x.
Come back when Cashly actually gets his hand down which probably means you wont come back.
Peter henderson(Quote)