Almiron transfer: How Newcastle finally landed £21m star after 18-month chase

Miguel Almiron's move to Newcastle was 18 months in the making and drove Rafa Benitez into hinting he could quit earlier this week.

The smiles at St James' Park today were a huge contrast to the stressed words and the fraught expressions of Benitez on Monday as he gave a press conference before the Manchester City game.

Pestering the club to land your No.1 recruit, a much-needed quick, hard working attacker, is a high-stakes business.

Back in April 2017, as Newcastle clinched promotion back to the Premeir League, Benitez decided he wanted a No10. Mo Diame and Ayoze Perez has filled the role, but he wanted an upgrade.

The name of Miguel Almiron of newly former MLS outfit Atlanta United started to be mentioned.

The Paraguayan had joined the US club from Lanus in December 2016 as a raw recruit, but was developing fast, scoring goals and showing tricks.

Newcastle registered an interest this time last year, and by the summer background checks were being done, on top of regular scouting in person or using software that collates player performances around the world.

No deal was to be had in the summer.

Atlanta were chasing the MLS title under ex-Argentina boss Tata Martino and Almiron was a vital cog.

But he kept impressing.

Newcastle's recruitment team reported back that he was quick, had a good left foot, tracked back for fun and was a team player. His personality was also noted as upbeat and positive.

It was a good job no deal was to be had in the summer.

Newcastle and Benitez were in a stand off. No big money signings until he signed a new contract.

From Rafa's point of view, no new contract signed until Newcastle proved their ambition.

By November, as January plans were finalised, Benitez was adamant he wanted Almiron. Atlanta won the MLS cup, and the player's work was done in the US.

Officially Rafa refused to confirm his interest, but cheekily corrected reporters' pronunciation of the player's name. When asked at each press conference about Almiron he'd joke: "Who?" with a smile.

But would Newcastle spend big? Rafa urged the club to "strike early". But Atlanta's president told Mirror Football in December that he would not accept "chump change" for his star man.

He said the price "must have a three in it": £30million-plus US dollars.

Newcastle wouldn't go that high.

With takeover negotiations holding back spending until fortnight ago, United held back. It proved a good move. The price tumbled, although it is still a club record buy.

For weeks Benitez has only expected a couple of foreign loans to be the fruits of January.

By Tuesday, just 24 hours after his threw his managerial future in doubt, the deal for his top recruit was back on.

Mike Ashley had finally realised Benitez needed help. A £20m summer transfer profit, and big sales in previous windows had left a squad shorn or valuable assets. It was time to rebuild.

Almiron's performances will now be vital. Can he score goals, add excitement and build his own value further? If so Ashley might be tempted to spend on more quality, and trust Benitez' judgement more.

Line up a couple of more quality £20million signings for next summer, and Benitez might just be tempted to stay on as manager beyond June.