Transfer Centre

Newcastle United 'identify Morgan Gibbs-White as Miguel Almiron replacement'

By Oliver Thomas, Senior Reporter | 23 January 2024

Newcastle 'identify Gibbs-White as Almiron replacement'

Newcastle United identify Nottingham Forest star Morgan Gibbs-White as a potential replacement for Miguel Almiron, according to a report.

Newcastle United have identified Nottingham Forest attacker Morgan Gibbs-White as a potential replacement for Miguel Almiron, according to a report.

Almiron has spent the last five years with the Magpies, scoring 30 goals and providing 11 assists in 195 appearances across all competitions, and the winger has become a fans' favourite at St James' Park.

However, the 29-year-old could soon be heading for the exit door as Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab have allegedly reached an agreement with Newcastle to sign the Paraguay international this month.

Although The Telegraph claims that rumours of an agreement between both parties are inaccurate, talks are set to continue over the next few days and there is a chance that Almiron will be sold before the winter window closes.

The same report states that Newcastle could step up their interest in Forest star Gibbs-White should Almiron finalise a move to Al Shabab.

Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White celebrates after the match on December 30, 2023 © Reuters

Newcastle's recruitment team are said to have scouted Gibbs-White 'extensively' and were left impressed by the 23-year-old's performance in Forest's 3-1 victory at St James' Park on Boxing Day.

It is thought that Forest are likely to resist any offers for Gibbs-White this month, with the Englishman under contract at the City Ground until the summer of 2027.

After five years at Wolverhampton Wanderers, Gibbs-White joined Forest for an initial £25m - a club-record fee - in August 2022, and he has since established himself as an integral first-team player.

The versatile attacker recorded five goals and eight assists in 37 Premier League games to help Forest avoid relegation last season, and he was subsequently named the club's Player of the Season.

Gibbs-White, who is currently sidelined with a abdominal injury, has since chipped in with two goals and three assists in 20 top-flight outings this term.

Everton midfielder Amadou Onana on December 16, 2023 © Reuters

Newcastle are also said to be interested in signing Everton midfielder Amadou Onana and could use some of the funds generated from a possible sale of Almiron to lure the 22-year-old away from Goodison Park.

Onana, who has played 58 times for Everton since joining the club 18 months ago, is valued at around £50m by the Toffees, though, and he has also attracted interest from the likes of Manchester United and Arsenal.

Eddie Howe is keen to bolster his Newcastle squad this month, but Financial Fair Play regulations are restricting the club's activity in the transfer market, and CEO Darren Eales has admitted that some star players could be sold to balance their books.

As well as Almiron, Kieran Trippier has been strongly linked with an exit amid interest from Bayern Munich, but Newcastle allegedly have no intention of parting ways with the 33-year-old, who is valued in excess of £12m by the Magpies.

Callum Wilson, Bruno Guimaraes, Joelinton and Alexander Isak have also been linked with a possible exit from Newcastle, who currently sit ninth in the Premier League table and 11 points behind the top four.