Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab continue pursuit of Newcastle star Miguel Almiron despite £17m deal being deemed ‘unlikely’… as Eddie Howe needs funds for a new midfielder despite not wanting to sell

Saudi Arabian side Al-Shabab are persisting in their chase of Newcastle United‘s Miguel Almiron. 

The club initially approached the Magpies with a £17million proposal but getting a deal done was deemed ‘unlikely‘. 

Newcastle and Al-Shabab had held talks but it is understood that the Saudi side’s interest has not wilted despite initial knock-backs. 

Eddie Howe does not wish to sell Almiron but needs funds for a new midfielder. 

Almiron would prefer to stay at Newcastle because he is settled on Tyneside with his young family. 

Eddie Howe does not want to sell the midfielder, who is happy and settled with his family

The Paraguayan joined the club in 2019 and has since gone on to play 195 times, cementing his place as a fan favourite. 

Almiron, who turns 30 next month, signed for Newcastle from MLS side Atlanta United in January 2019 for a fee north of £20m.

He signed a new three-year extension in February last year and is under contract with Newcastle until June 2026.

However, Newcastle CEO Darren Eales warned fans earlier this month that star players could be sold as the club looks to stay within Premier League financial rules. 

His warning came as the Magpies revealed accounts showing revenue of £250m – a 39 per cent increase – but with a loss of £73.4m, largely due to £153m spent on new players.

The Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules permit clubs to have a loss of no more than £105m over a three-year period.

However, Newcastle United chief Darren Eales (left) admitted that the club may have to sell one of their key players if offered enough money

It has been thought that Alexander Isak, Bruno Guimaraes, or a youth academy product would be on the chopping block, but no sale has yet materialised.

Bayern Munich had three bids rejected for Kieran Trippier, with Eddie Howe claiming it would not have been ‘good value at all’ to agree to any of their proposals.