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According to the Daily Star, Newcastle's move for transfer target Miguel Almiron could be off as Atlanta United will refuse to accept any offers below £30m for their star man - a deal that tight-pocketed NUFC owner Mike Ashley would never sanction.

What's the word?

Well, the Daily Star reports that, while speculation of a takeover at St James Park is rife, a move for Almiron is unlikely to go through as Atlanta president Darren Eales is demanding at least £30m for the speedster.

Speaking to Sky Sports on Thursday, the 46-year-old stated:

"Unless it is something that is a really serious offer, we will not consider it."

"The offer has to start with a 3 for me to consider it."

Worrying words indeed for Magpies fans as they are all too familiar with the owner's haste in splashing the cash, so this deal may depend on whether Ashley is still in control come January.

Kenyon holds the key

The Toon Army have made their dislike of their owner evident this season, in particular, as they create anti-Ashley chants when the 54-year-old has made a rare appearance at one of their games and voice their frustrations at the direction their club is perceived to be going on numerous occasions.

The Northern Echo claims that Peter Kenyon's consortium is the favourite to take the reins from Ashley, with the current owner keen to get a deal over the line in the coming weeks.

Former Chelsea and Manchester United chief executive Kenyon is apparently desperate to get back into the game and is believed to have agreed a deal in principle which would see Ashley scoop a cool £300m in exchange for ownership of the Tyneside club.

Newcastle currently sit 15th in the standings, just three points above the drop and fans are surely desperate for Rafa Benitez to be appropriately backed in the January window - the Spaniard has thus far made do with the limited funds available to him as he makes shrewd signings such as Federico Fernandez.

A move for Almiron would be hugely beneficial as the 6-time FA Cup winners are in dire need of a creator to provide for Salomon Rondon but, if Ashley can't agree on terms with Kenyon in time, there is no chance that the necessary figure to secure the Paraguayan's services will be stumped up.

Kenyon holds the key on this one and whether he will provide more financial support, should he be successful in purchasing the club, remains unknown but, otherwise, Newcastle look set to miss out on their dream signing.