Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley is reportedly not willing to meet the £25 million asking price for Atlanta United’s attacking midfielder Miguel Almiron.
Newcastle have long been reported to be interested in signing Almiron, but with the two weeks of the transfer window already gone, the St. James Park faithful will be unsurprised that Mike Ashley is yet to spend a single penny in the market.
Atlanta United are thought to value the player at £25 million, but according to the Northern Echo, Newcastle’s hierarchy have informed the MLS side that they are only willing to sanction a £15.5 million move for the Paraguayan attacker.
With the MLS currently in its close season, Atlanta are thought to be willing to do business this month, but only if Newcastle meet their valuation, although controversial owner Ashley is known to be reluctant to enter a bidding war for any player, as he actively tries to sell the Tyneside club which he purchased back in 2007.
The 2-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Saturday saw Newcastle slip back into the relegation zone. They have managed to pick up just two points from their last five matches and have scored a meagre 16 goals in 22 games this season.
Manager Rafael Benitez is keen on bringing in reinforcements this month and sees Almiron as a useful addition, with creativity seeming to be a real issue for his team.
The 24-year-old Paraguay international scored 13 times for Atlanta last season, having joined the MLS side from Lanus in 2017.