'We don't know': Eddie Howe downplays Miguel Almiron exit talk after pushing him to front of crowd to lap up fan praise

Miguel Almiron may have played his last game for Newcastle United (deja vu?) after making a brief appearance off the bench in the 3-1 win over Southampton on Saturday.

Miggy is expected to return to Atlanta United in the MLS in a deal worth £10 million after a fee was reportedly agreed on Friday. Although Miggy's inclusion in the match day squad definitely hinted at work still to be done to get the deal over the line.

The Paraguayan was brought off the bench on 88 minutes by Eddie Howe and the crowd immediately started to show their appreciation for his contributions over the last six years.

Almiron joined Newcastle in January 2019 for a then club-record fee of £21 million, and while he was slow to get going, Miggy's work rate and beaming smile endeared him to the fans.

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Newcastle United fans showed Miggy all the love at St Mary's on Saturday

At full-time the Toon Army continued to serenade the 30-year-old with the expectation that it will be the last time they'll get to see him in a Newcastle shirt.

Originally at the back of the group of players, Eddie Howe pushed Miggy to the front to lap up the applause and adulation.

However, speaking after the game, Howe downplayed the idea that he forced Miggy to the front to say goodbye.

Eddie Howe still won't confirm Miguel Almiron's impending exit

It has always been Eddie Howe's way to not confirm transfer stories when there's still work to be done, so despite what he says, we shouldn't expect to see Miggy in the squad next week. Howe told reporters (via The Shields Gazette) that they still don't know what will happen.

“It wasn’t planned. It was just the crowd were very much embracing him and giving him a lot of love.

“Miggy's not that kind of character that's got a huge ego that absorbs all the attention, but I just felt it was imperative that we got him to the front and everyone acknowledged he's been unbelievable for us. His attitude, his commitment, the way he's played.

“I'm not saying it's a goodbye, we don't know what's going to happen, but I just thought it was a great moment for him.”