Eddie Howe insists contract talks with his in-form Newcastle United stars will come further down the line as the club focus solely on maintaining recent momentum ahead of the World Cup break.
Reports this week suggested man of the moment Miguel Almiron was in line to receive an improved deal after his stellar start to the season with Newcastle. However, Howe played that down on Friday, admitting no talks had been held with the Paraguayan or any other player of late.
"No, I don't know where that story has come from," he told reporters. "Miggy is someone who I love and respect but no conversations have started between himself and his representatives. We're in a busy spell of games and all discussions about contracts will take place at a later date."
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Almiron's electric start to the season means he may now be rewarded with an improved deal later in the campaign, despite his current contract running until 2024. The 28-year-old arrived at Newcastle in 2019 for a fee of £21m from MLS side Atalanta United for a then-club record fee.
A hit and miss campaign last year saw the likes of Everton, Fulham and Sevilla linked with a move for the player over the summer. Almiron's agent, however, was insistent that the attacker would remain with Howe's side, citing a £60m release clause in his contract.
Bruno Guimaraes is another player who could be offered a new deal at St James' Park, despite only arriving at the club back in January. Real Madrid, Chelsea and Liverpool are said to be interested in the Brazilian, who has flourished in England over the last nine months.
Jonjo Shelvey is in the final 12 months of his Magpies deal but is close to triggering an automatic extension. The midfielder has recently returned to the first-team after being sidelined since August.
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