MIGUEL ALMIRON’S return to the MLS is officially off in a big blow to Newcastle United’s hopes of securing a new winger.
Charlotte FC had a bid rejected for the much-loved Paraguayan winger, 30, earlier this week.
Now they have walked away from the negotiating table after being unable to agree a fee with Toon.
Almiron snubbed interest from Saudi Arabia earlier this year and is happily settled on Tyneside with his young family.
But he was open to a return to the States with initial terms on a contract with the North Carolina outfit agreed.
However, Newcastle wanted almost double the amount that Charlotte had offered for Almiron.
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Charlotte, managed by ex-Aston Villa boss Dean Smith, made an opening bid of £7.8million, a figure way short of the £15.5m asking price set by the Magpies.
Talks continued between the pair to try and strike a deal before the MLS transfer deadline closes tonight.
But the deal was deemed to be too high by Charlotte, who have now walked away from the transfer.
Almiron remains the MLS’ most-expensive export after Newcastle paid £20m to Atlanta United for him in 2019.
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Due to striker Callum Wilson’s injury, the wideman was Toon’s main sellable asset as chiefs look to boost boss Eddie Howe’s transfer kitty.
While they have a large chunk of money set aside for a new defender, with Crystal Palace rejecting their latest £60m bid for Marc Guehi, a new right-winger is also on Howe’s wishlist.
Almiron and Jacob Murphy, 29, are the two men battling it out for that spot in the current squad.
Chelsea’s Noni Madueke, 22, is a player admired by Toon.
But any potential move looks extremely unlikely unless a senior player can be offloaded to help balance the books.
Although Howe insists that he will be happy to keep Almiron around and that the South American remains a key part of his plans.
He recently stated: “He has been unbelievable for Newcastle. Long before I came but since I have been here he has been an absolutely pivotal and key player.
“We love him, we love his personality and we love working with him.”
Almiron has scored 23 goals and provided six assists in his 177 Premier League appearances for the Magpies.
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