Journalist claims left-back is 'expected to sign' in next 48 hours - New Almiron price also reported
Monaco left-back Antonio Barreca is 'expected to sign in the next couple of days' according to the Northern Echo's Scott Wilson - but he claims we are refusing to meet Atlanta's alleged £19m asking price for Miguel Almiron.
The signing of a left-back would be a boost of sorts for Benitez, however it seems quite clear that Barreca was not his first target - with a deal for Jordan Lukaku failing at the final hurdle late last week.
As far as Almiron is concerned, it would be infuriating if Ashley is refusing to meet a £19m asking price - especially when this appears to be just a few million pound more than our initial top offer ( believed to be £16m if you believe the Chronicle).
Here's a snippet from Scott Wilson's piece, suggesting Barreca looks set to sign, but that any Almiron deal 'remains at an impasse':
'The Magpies have rekindled their interest in Antonio Barreca after a proposed loan deal for Lazio’s Jordan Lukaku collapsed on Friday night, and the Monaco full-back is expected to sign in the next couple of days.
'However, the club’s interest in Miguel Almiron remains at an impasse with Mike Ashley refusing to meet Atlanta United’s $25m (£19m) asking price for the Paraguayan forward, and Newcastle’s owner remains extremely reluctant to invest significant sums into the playing squad while he attempts to sell up.'
Time will tell what actually happens in the final four days that remain of this miserable transfer window.
It really would sum up Rafa's time at the club if we only signed a Ligue 1 reject on loan and missed out on his top target - a talented player who will only arrive if Ashley breaks our current club record fee.
