Miguel Almiron exit theory emerges as Newcastle United contacted over January transfer

Newcastle United are set to have their resolve in the transfer market tested in January with Argentinian side River Plate readying a potential bid for Miguel Almiron. The winger has become something of a forgotten man at Newcastle this season with just five league appearances and a total of 103 minutes to his name after dropping down Eddie Howe's pecking order.

The 30-year-old had made 18 appearances across the Premier League and Champions League by this stage last season, but entered this international break with his stock low at St James' Park. While that may be the case in Newcastle, he remains a wanted man elsewhere with persistent talk of interest from Saudi Arabia.

Now comes word from South America, with River Plate reportedly interested in a January move for the player to bolster their options in the title race and with the forthcoming Club World Cup to play in the summer.

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Almiron has previously spoken highly of the club and despite having 18 months left on his contract at Newcastle, it's thought he would be open to a move that allows him to get more minutes to stay in contention for the Paraguay national team, as they push for a place at the 2026 World Cup.

Journalist Renzo Pantich claims the South American club have made contact with Newcastle to find out the conditions needed to sign the player, telling Soy del Millo.

“River is probing, in a formal and concrete manner, the contractual conditions of Miguel Almirón. He’s a River fan, he has a tattoo on his back, and he is currently playing very few minutes in the Premier League."

Newcastle were open to selling Almiron in the summer but MLS side Charlotte FC couldn't meet the asking price, while talk of a Saudi switch never materialised. The Mags will not let the player go cheaply, but will happily let Almiron leave for the right price if a deal can be struck.