Miguel Almiron would be an expensive gamble for cheap Newcastle

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As reported by The Daily Mail, Newcastle United are ready to rival West Ham United for the signature of MLS star Miguel Almiron in January.

The 24-year-old has been making waves across the pond, emerging as arguably the division’s hottest talents.

The Paraguay international, who operates as an attacking midfielder, is supposedly being coveted by north London giants Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur as well.

Ominously for Magpies supporters, Almiron’s agent Daniel Campos actually attended Newcastle’s recent 2-1 home victory over Bournemouth.

He is quoted in the report as saying: “We saw Newcastle’s party because we are in England. There are two or three clubs interested and we have been working in the UK.”

A £24 million gamble

Supposedly Almiron’s club Atlanta United value their prized asset at £24 million, which is huge sum for Newcastle to think about paying.

As is common knowledge, Newcastle are a club that do not spend big; their club transfer record remains the £16 million paid to Real Madrid for Michael Owen back in 2005.

Owner Mike Ashley seemingly refuses to invest the kind of money expected for a club of Newcastle size and following, and so it is reasonable to assume Rafa Benitez again won’t have much to spend in January.

If a deal was completed for Almiron around the figure that’s been quoted, then surely there won’t be any money remaining to get other players in.

It would also be a big risk to sign Almiron for such a fee, given the difference in standard between the MLS and the Premier League.

Newcastle would surely have to negotiate the proposed fee down, otherwise they might be putting all their eggs into one questionable basket.