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Newcastle United must pay the asking price for Atlanta United midfielder Miguel Almiron if they want to ensure their own survival in the Premier League.

The MLS star has reportedly been identified as a top target by manager Rafael Benitez, but the deal appears to rest in the hands of owner Mike Ashley, as the two clubs have reached an impasse over the value of the deal.

What’s the word?

The Northern Echo report that Newcastle will have to pay an extra £10million if they are to secure Almiron’s signature, having told the American side that they value the playmaker at £15.5m.

Owner Ashley is, of course, notoriously stingy when it comes to transfers, and the report claims that the club will not change their stance, with the supremo reluctant to keep bidding for Almiron.

However, the midfielder is said to have agreed terms with the club in principle, leaving the club tantalisingly close to a signing that would surely take them to the next level.

The Magpies have struggled thus far this season and are languishing in the relegation zone, with just 18 points from 22 games.

They have won just four times this season, and it certainly seems as though investment is needed in January.

Benitez expected to work more miracles

Ashley needs to put his hand in his pocket if the club are to have any hope of survival.

Benitez has worked his magic to take Newcastle into the Premier League, and keep them there, but this cannot be allowed to continue if the club are to maintain their status in the top-flight.

Newcastle’s squad is thin, and lacking in quality, but Almiron would remedy that.

He has contributed 42 goals in 62 appearances for Atlanta – be they goals or assists – and it is little surprise that Benitez has identified him as a potential signing who could bridge the gap between midfield and attack.

Check out the video below for Emma Conybeare’s rundown of which clubs need what in the January transfer window…

Ashley is again engaging in brinkmanship, though, and it could come back to cost the Magpies.

If he doesn’t put his hand in his pocket, and Newcastle slip into the Championship again, they will lose the majority of their first-team stars, as well as their manager.

Ashley is all that stands between the club and oblivion – it is high time he starts spending, beginning with Almiron.