Miguel Almiron drops fresh transfer hint as Newcastle United plot major changes in attack

Newcastle United's summer business revolves heavily around Miguel Almiron remaining or departing ahead of next season as Eddie Howe and his transfer team seek out attacking reinforcements.

The right-sided attacker opted to stay on Tyneside in January as an eye-watering offer presented itself courtesy of Saudi Pro League side Al-Shabab. Almiron is settled in the north east with a young family and has shown no desire to jump ship after playing a major part in Howe's plans to date.

Speaking out ahead of the start of his Copa America campaign with Paraguay, Almiron again dropped a major hint he was fully committed to Newcastle and continuing at the club into next season, praising St James' Park, the fans and insisting he feels 'blessed' over his current club situation.

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“When we play here [at St James’ Park], it feels like playing in your own backyard," Almiron told reporters in south America last week. "The city is like that too. They are very friendly people.

“I saw that from the beginning. When I arrived we had tough times but still people came and asked for autographs and supported you. I had never experienced that until I came here [to Newcastle United]. Now we have the Copa America, which for me is going to be very important.

“Not only for me but for my teammates as well and I think we are going to do well. As I always say, I am very grateful to the [Newcastle United] fans for the affection they showed me from the beginning. I feel blessed.”

Newcastle have grand ambitions of signing a new right-winger before the summer market closes but currently have Almiron, Jacob Murphy and the returning Yankuba Minteh jostling for that particular position as it stands.

The latter of the trio is expected to be sacrificed in the coming days as Newcastle attempt to balance the books ahead of the profit and sustainability accounting deadline on June 30. Minteh, who has not kicked a ball for the Magpies, is valued at £40m and a number of European clubs are interested in acquiring his services.

Minteh's exit would reduce pressure on offloading Almiron, although a handful of clubs continue to be linked with the former MLS favourite. The 30-year-old has two years to run on his St James' Park deal.