Almiron out to prove worth to Toon

MIGUEL Almiron is the subject of transfer interest from Spain and Italy as his agent watched Friday’s 1-0 win over Wolves in the club’s executive area.

The Paraguay star came on as an early replacement for Ryan Fraser and played a crucial part in the victory, while his representative Daniel Campos watched on.

With Scottish winger Fraser’s injury situation unclear, it could be that Almiron (left) now gets an extended run in the team under Eddie Howe.

Opportunities to play have been limited for the former Atlanta

United man since the former Bournemouth boss arrived in November and speculation about his future has grown.

While Almiron’s United contract has a £59million release clause in it, it seems highly improbable that any club would have to pay that to prise away the playmaker.

Howe has said that he has been delighted with Almiron’s displays since taking over last year and now it is up to the Rafa Benitez signing to take his chance to start.

Almiron, who gave reporters a thumbs-up on leaving St James’ Park, still has two years left on his current deal and will look to prove it is in the club’s interests to hold onto him.

● Brighton insist they will not divulge any information on the stand-off between themselves and Newcastle over Dan Ashworth (inset).

The Seagulls have placed the former FA technical director on gardening leave after he agreed to join the Magpies in February in a similarly senior role.

Hefty compensation demands have thwarted United’s attempts to bring Ashworth in early and unless a deal is agreed, Newcastle might have to wait until November for the 51-year-old to start work on Tyneside.

Asked about the Ashworth situation, a Brighton spokesperson said: “We would not comment on private employment matters.”

Santiago Munoz admits a hamstring problem has hampered the start of his Newcastle career.

The Mexican Under-23 star has made a slow start to his sitnt on Tyneside since joining on loan from Santos Laguna last year.

The Magpies have the option to make the deal permanent and the attacker is keen to make that happen.

“I had a little problem with my hamstring. Also I needed to get used to all of the conditions,” he said of his slow start.

“I had a problem and I needed to work on it. I am feeling good now, although I still need to get fitter, I feel that. Like I say I am training hard and working. All the boys have a good relationship and I am happy for them all.

“When I arrived here I wanted to get on with my goals and aims.

“I am on loan so I am working to get opportunities and make sure everybody knows where I came from.”