EDDIE HOWE admits losing Miguel Almiron would be “not ideal” – and expects the Paraguayan to be part of the squad for Newcastle United’s home game with Bournemouth tomorrow.

Almiron is the subject of ongoing discussions with Atlanta United, with the MLS side prepared to pay around £10m for the 30-year-old, who has entered the final 18 months of his current deal on Tyneside.

The South American forward has been an influential figure at various stages of Howe’s Tyneside tenure, but has barely featured this season, starting just one Premier League game.

Nevertheless, with Jacob Murphy the only other natural right-winger in the squad, Almiron’s departure would nevertheless leave Newcastle short of options in that position, particularly if, as looks likely, he is not replaced this month.

“It’s not ideal (if Almiron was to leave),” said Howe. “But I don’t think it’s ideal from anyone’s viewpoint. From our side we don’t want to lose players, but we know that there’s a reality to PSR and the ongoing managing of that situation.

“Sometimes, as we’ve said many times over the last few weeks, we’re making decisions not based on football, but based on decisions we potentially have to make for the future.”

While there is a growing expectation that Almiron will return to the United States before the transfer window closes at the start of next month, Howe is confident the forward remains in the right frame of mind to play if needed and, as a result, he will remain in the squad tomorrow.

“The latest is that we expect him (Almiron) to be in for training today and to be part of our squad tomorrow.”

When then asked directly whether Almiron could leave this month, Howe added: “Yeah, I’d say with him, currently, that anything could happen from this moment. But my concern is to try to get the squad focused and ready for tomorrow’s game, and he will be an important part of that.”