Newcastle United have been given an update on their pursuit of Miguel Almiron, with Atlanta United’s president Darren Eales suggesting that he has yet to speak to any interested parties.
Rumours persist about the Magpies desire to bring the 24-year-old to Tyneside in January, but according to Eales, no deal is close.
As quoted in the Chronicle (10.00), he said: “It’ll be interesting – and I sound like a broken record but Miggy is under contract for another three years
“We’ve got an owner who likes winning, who’s had a taste of success and we know we don’t have to sell the player; but clearly the way that we built the club, the way that we brought the young players in – if the right offer comes in then that will be something we will consider.
“But let’s face it – Miggy is one of the best players in the league. I thought he was on the best players in both the All Star games against Real Madrid and Juventus.
“He has that ability of running with the ball, he reminds me of my time at Spurs with Gareth Bale, he’s almost quicker with the ball than without the ball and that’s a unique skill set.
“It doesn’t surprise me that there is interest from top clubs in Europe but we’ll just have to see where it plays out.
‘It [a deal] definitely isn’t done because I haven’t spoken to anyone.”
Newcastle have been linked heavily to Almiron with many journalists claiming that a deal is almost done.
ABC TV journalist Bruno Pont claimed via his personal Twitter account last Wednesday that there is already an agreement in place for his move to St James’ Park, although Eales’ comments have poured cold water on that.
Another journalist Roberto Rojas had earlier said the deal was all but done.
OPINION
This is getting worrying for Newcastle United now. Obviously the window hasn’t opened yet, but in spite of widespread rumours linking the Paraguayan international to Tyneside, Atlanta remain adamant that no negotiations are in place. The Toon Army are probably at a disadvantage because of their league position and financial status compared to other clubs that are supposedly interested, and they will want to get the ball rolling sooner rather than later so as to give themselves as much of a head start as possible. There is of course the possibility that Eales is being coy to appease Atlanta fans, but the club seem singing to losing their star man so that would be a strange approach to take. The main concern will be for Newcastle that a deal becomes too difficult to complete and that Mike Ashley begins to look for a cheaper, less effective alternative. It wouldn’t surprise you if he did.