Tight-lipped
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe shut down transfer window talk at the start of January during his latest press conference.
Reports in Europe claim that the Magpies are close to securing the signature of Yohan Bakayoko in a deal worth £25 million.
However, Howe dismissed any suggestion that Toon is close to signing anyone.
TalkSPORT’s Ben Jacobs also understands that Miguel Almiron’s six years on Tyneside are set to come to an end in January with a move back to the US.
Charlotte FC are locked in talks with the Magpies over Almiron, but once again, Howe declined to comment.
On Bakayoko, he said: “It’s not reality (a deal for Bakayoko is close).
“We are not close to sealing any transfers or closing any players. For me, the January talks have been very loose.
“It’s been a very loose discussion, not a lot of discussion in depth in January, and that’s because we’ve got a lot of games and our focus is on the matches, and we’re limited in what we’re doing. can and cannot.”
And of Almiron, he said: “Miggy is still absolutely Miggy, in every way.
“I mean that as an absolute compliment – smiley, happy, focused, professional, an incredible guy.
“I can’t praise his professionalism enough this season, which has been a difficult season for him because he hasn’t had the minutes he wanted. But there is no shortage of what he has given us and I know he is ready to play when needed.
“I think again the other night, when he came on (against Brentford), he showed his qualities. I never doubted his qualities for a second.
“Yes, there’s a lot of speculation about Miggy’s future now, but I think I’d say anything to any player who’s signed here and loved as much as Miggy, then my only focus is on Miggy being here and showing. He deserves the respect he deserves for his contribution to Newcastle.”
