Newcastle United transfer window may hang on one player as Eddie Howe stance revealed

Newcastle United are already planning for the winter market after two successive transfer windows where Eddie Howe's starting XI has not been strengthened with fresh blood.

The story of the summer had one man at the centre of it: Miguel Almiron. It is likely this coming January will be the same.

The St James' Park faithful have long believed a new right-sided option in front of goal is the way to go when it comes to elevating this Newcastle even higher than recent years. After all, it is the only position the Magpies have not bolstered since the 2021 takeover.

However, arguments can be made by those involved in Newcastle's transfer dealings that Howe is already well stocked in that particular part of the pitch. With that in mind, it is worth looking at Almiron's role in previous and future business on Tyneside.

Almiron's agent speaks out

Last week saw Almiron's agent, Daniel Campos, offer his side of the story when it comes to the winger's future. The Paraguayan has struggled for minutes this season - earning only 103 in the Premier League - but is reportedly willing to stay and fight for his place at St James' Park.

"Although Miguel is not happy with the minutes he has in England, he wants to stay and fight for his place at Newcastle. The coach always supported him. When he made a request, he asked him not to leave. It must be a tactical or temporary issue."

Charlotte FC made an offer for Almiron over the summer in the closing stages of the summer window. A move, however, failed to materialise.

Campos added: "They [Charlotte] offered around $18million. We had arranged a contract with them, but the club rejected the proposal from the United States."

Howe's feelings are clear

Despite clamour for a new right-winger from sections of the fanbase, Howe has remained consistently clear when it comes to Almiron and the fact he rates, respects and trusts the wide man. However, the south American star lost his starting place to Jacob Murphy at the beginning of the campaign, with the latter subsequently dropping out of the team to join Almiron on the sidelines.

Discussing Almiron's future over in the summer, Howe was adamant he wanted the wide man to remain, saying: “A lot of speculation with Miggy over the summer which will have been difficult for him. He's a really valued member of the squad, he's very much with us and we value his qualities and what he brings.”

Months earlier, during the January window, Howe was just as defiant when saying: “I’m desperate to keep him. There has been noise but hopefully we can keep Miguel. His contribution has been immense."

Does January revolve around the winger?

It feels that way, yes. Newcastle have money to spend but are still bound by slightly-tweaked profit and sustainability rules [PSR], meaning a big-name arrival likely means a sale of some kind in order to balance the books.

As it stands, Newcastle have Almiron, Murphy, Anthony Gordon and potentially Joelinton battling it out for one spot on the right-wing. If one of the latter two hold that position until January, the Magpies' hierarchy may well feel confident of making it to next summer without a huge outlay in that particular area of the dressing room.

However, Almiron has attracted suitors before - and likely will again despite his agent's recent comments regarding fighting for his spot. The summer was dominated by talk of a return to the MLS, while recently a south American switch has been mooted in overseas reports.

Should an offer arrive that is attractive to Newcastle, Howe, the player and his entourage, Almiron feels like a squad player who could depart to freshen up the squad. In turn, this changes the club's priorities in terms of which areas they suddenly look light in.

Almiron has seemed close to departing in recent windows but has always remained - a decision backed by Howe. If the same happens again in January, it would be no surprise to see Newcastle hold out even longer before bringing in a fresh right-sided attacking option.