As we head into December, clubs will be hoping to get signings in place as quickly as they can – and If reports in the Chronicle are to be believed, our head of recruitment Steve Nickson is on his way to America to negotiate a deal for MLS star Miguel Almiron.
The story states that Nickson will watch the exciting number 10 in Atlanta’s MLS play off and will also look to negotiate a deal to sign him in the upcoming window while he is over there – with us said to have scouted the Paraguayan NINE times already this year.
The problem will almost certainly be the price – a reoccurring theme for Rafa – with this report suggesting they’ll demand £25m for the playmaker, however it would appear that this is why we’re make a personal trip to the states to find out IF we can strike a deal.
Here’s a snippet from the Chronicle’s piece:
‘Newcastle United are set to take the game to their Premier League rivals in the chase for Miguel Almiron.
‘The Chronicle understands that United will send out head of recruitment Steve Nickson to the United States in the next week to hold discussion with Atlanta United and the attacking star’s agent about what it will take to lure him to St James’ Park in January.
‘Almiron plays an attacking midfielder or number 10 but can also play out wide on either flank.
‘Almiron’s representatives have already been to the UK to look at options for a January move with Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and West Ham all interested in the player
‘A fee of £25m for Almiron has been set while Newcastle should be able to cope with his wage demands with the player currently on $2million per year’
‘Almiron is still involved in the MLS play-offs with his team on the brink of making it to the MLS Cup final which looks set to take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
‘Nickson is expected to there for the final but will also hold important talks to try to put Newcastle in the box seat for Almiron’s signature.’
There MUST be real interest here if we are prepared to send Nickson out to America, but whether this will come to anything is a question we will only know the answer too after the his visit – with Ashley’s ability to spend big set to be key (and that’s quite a big worry based on his inability to in the past..).
Do we really believe that Ashley will spend £25mil on a player untried in England or anyone else come to that?
My worry is that Ashley will not spend anything because we are doing ok at present. We have plenty of winnable games between now and New Year so we could be in a really good place to add to our squad. Im hoping come the cup games we can have a glimpse of some of our U23’s in the team.
Brian Hall(Quote)