'I’d like to keep him' - Miguel Almiron Newcastle absence explained by Eddie Howe after forward misses Fulham FA Cup victory amid Saudi Pro League transfer interest

After the Magpies' 2-0 win at Craven Cottage last night, Howe answered multiple questions about the absence of the Paraguayan forward despite having trained with the first team for the entire week. Howe stated the player was "genuinely ill" but also touched upon the rumours about his move to Saudi with Al-Shabab reportedly interested in his services.

"Miggy [Almiron] is genuinely ill," Howe claimed [via The Shields Gazette]. "He’s been so important for us. Last year, he was a big goal-getter for us. This year, he’s worked incredibly hard, and he’s been reliable for us. He’s always been fit. He hasn’t missed many games, and that’s been vitally important for us when we’ve had so many injuries to our attacking players. He’s not underestimated by me in terms of his personality and what he produces on the pitch. Of course, I’d like to keep him."

Howe then hinted that Almiron's situation was still ongoing as he added: "Yeah, it’s difficult because I’m not in daily or hourly contact with what’s going on. I’m sort of a step removed from everything. There’s a possibility someone could leave before the window shuts, I think I made that clear in the press conference. I don’t think that’s changed, but we’ll just have to wait and see what happens."

Howe had reportedly asked the club for a few reinforcements in the winter transfer window, however, the club has failed to do so due them being close to the cusp of the Premier League's Profitability and Sustainability rules limit. The club has even been reported to need to make sales this winter to balance their books. A breach of the PSR limit could result in the club facing a possible points deduction as was the case with Everton.

Almiron desires to stay at Newcastle past the January transfer window, although Al Shabab is keen on completing the £30 million ($38.1m) move. The transfer window for the Saudi Pro League ends on January 30.