The father of Atlanta United’s Miguel Almiron has confirmed that the midfielder will move to England, and has named Newcastle as his most likely destination.
The Paraguayan has been linked with a host of Premier League clubs, with Newcastle emerging as favourites to capture his signature.
Speaking to Paraguayan radio station ABC Cardinal, as quoted in the Daily Star, Ruben Almiron suggested that the Tyneside club were indeed in the box seat to sign his 24-year-old son.
He said: “He will definitely go to England, what’s left to be decided is to what club but Newcastle is the one with the advantage.”
OPINION
This would appear to be the clearest indicator yet that Almiron will be a Newcastle player come January. Rarely do players or relatives speak in such candid terms about potential transfers, but there is an element of certainty in Ruben Almiron’s claims that is difficult to refute. It would be bizarre if the Paraguayan did not move to England in light of his father’s comments, and Newcastle do appear to be the only club that have lasted the distance in their pursuit. Of course, this doesn’t mean that things are done and dusted, but its a huge boost for the Magpies and their fans, made even better by the apparent confirmation earlier that Atlanta have lined up a replacement for their star man. Newcastle need to make a signing like Almiron, with as a statement of intent and as a pragmatic boost to their attacking roster, and at the moment, all things point to a done deal.