Sports Update
Newcastle United rejects bid for Miguel Almiron following approach from MLS side.
Newcastle United rejected a measly bid from Charlotte FC for Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle United have turned down Charlotte FC’s opening bid for Miguel Almiron, maintaining that he is still a valuable first-team player.
The Magpies told Almiron they wanted him to stay over the weekend and that he was an important part of their plans, with Eddie Howe saying on the record two weeks ago that he expected the forward to stay. However, the MLS club has already contacted Newcastle to show an interest in the Paraguay international.
United will not offload the 30-year-old on the cheap to free up squad space, and insiders close to the issue have informed Chronicle Live that any agreement must benefit all sides. The MLS club has less than 48 hours to finalize a deal for Almiron, as the US deadline approaches.
Despite the presence of a Charlotte official in the UK attempting to conclude a deal, an agreement was not reached this evening. The MLS team admires Almiron, who is managed by former Aston Villa and Norwich City manager Dean Smith.
However, Charlotte faces a double obstacle in completing the deal: Almiron’s personal terms must be appealing enough to entice him to cross the Atlantic again, and a large sum must be sufficient to satisfy Newcastle officials. Almiron has two years left on his present contract and is satisfied with life in Tyneside with his small family.
Almiron turned down Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabaab last January, and Howe remarked only two weeks ago: “Miggy’s been incredible for Newcastle, long before I came, but also since I’ve been here, he’s been an absolutely pivotal player, a key player.”
“We enjoy him, his charisma, and working with him. He came back with a big smile on his face, so I’m excited to work with him again.”