Rafa Benitez could be key to Newcastle United’s continued pursuit of Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron, according to reports in the Daily Star.
The Magpies have been chasing the Paraguayan international for a while now, and are believed to be favourites to secure his signature in the coming January transfer window.
A large part of the Toon Army’s appeal comes from Benitez’s reputation as a manager, according to the Star.
Complications may have arisen after Atlanta president Darren Eales revealed that the club value Almiron at upwards of £30 million, and insisted that the club will only allow their star man to go if the circumstances of an offer are right.
He said: “He is an amazing player, he was one of the best players on the pitch in both of the All-Star games that we played against Juventus and Real Madrid.
“I have no doubt that when the time is right, and the offer is right, he can be a success in whatever league he goes to.”
While Benitez’s future on Tyneside is far from certain, it is understood that the appeal of playing under a manager of the Spaniard’s stature could be huge draw for the 24-year-old.
In that instance, it would be a matter of if the club are willing to meet a valuation that would break their transfer record by over £15 million.
Almiron has scored 12 goals sand added 13 assists in just 32 league games this season.
OPINION
Once again, if Newcastle do land Almiron, they will have Benitez to thank for elevating them above their actual station as a football club. The Magpies are undoubtedly a massive team, make no mistake, but paying £30 million for a player in January, especially a player who is reportedly being pursued by the likes of Arsenal too, is not representative of a club fighting to avoid relegation. If the Toon Army can bring in the Paraguayan it would be a massive coup, without a doubt, and one that would seemingly rest more on the reputation of the manager than that of the club. At this stage, it would appear that Almiron is keen, and almost certain to leave the MLS this winter, but the question still remains on whether not Mike Ashley will be willing to splash out so freely on a marquee signing. If he did it would be uncharacteristic. That being said, the goings on at St. James’ Park are complex, and uncertain at best. If new owners come in, with the injection of cash you’d hope would follow, before the end of the window then it could still happen for Newcastle, but there are a lot of big ifs to be considered at the moment.