The latest Newcastle United transfer rumours on Wednesday, 16 March.
Pundit 'can't see how Miguel Almiron fits' Newcastle next season
Noel Whelan believes Miguel Almiron's tenure on Tyneside is drawing to a close, despite the Paraguay international making his first Premier League start since New Year's Day. The 28-year-old was on a list of seven players, reported to be on their way out of St. James' Park in thee upcoming transfer window.
Whelan told Football Insider he doesn't believe Almiron has done enough consistently, in a black and white shirt. The former Leeds United striker said: “We’ve had moments and glimpses from him. But you’ve got to say, looking in terms of consistency and goals at the end of the season – he hasn’t done enough. The percentages and ratios don’t match.
“They’ve got to start looking now. If they’re going to rebuild now, they’re going to charge up the Premier League, they need to look at players who are a step ahead of Almiron.
"That’s why they’ve got the richest owners in the world, to spend big money on the cream of the crop in order to realise their dreams and aspirations at the top of the table. They will already be looking and planning ahead of this transfer window now, and unfortunately for Almiron – I can’t see how he fits in next season.”
Magpies 'target' agrees Barcelona switch
Franck Kessie has reportedly agreed to join Barcelona, despite interest from Liverpool, Tottenham and Newcastle. That's according to Sport, who claim the 25-year-old will move to the Nou Camp on a free transfer at the end of the season.
The Spanish news outlet are confident the Ivory Coast international – who they claim is valued at €48m (£41m) – will become Xavi's second signing of the summer after Chelsea defender Andreas Christensen reportedly agreed a deal with the La Liga outfit. Earlier this year, La Reppublica claimed Newcastle and Liverpool were interested in the AC Milan midfielder.
Kessie is out of contract in the summer and Antonio Conte's Spurs are also understood to be keen on the midfielder. The three Premier League sides would have a considerable financial advantage over cash strapped Barcelona, but that hasn't impacted the proposed deal, say reports.
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