Winger Miguel Almiron will stay at Newcastle beyond the January transfer window, says manager Eddie Howe.

Despite the speculation he replaced the injured Alexander Isak in Newcastle’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa on Tuesday and helped set up the Magpies’ third goal.

“I’m confident that he will stay now, and I’m delighted because he’s such an important player,” Howe said.

“What a person and professional he is – he’s had a lot of speculation that’s come from the media, but it’s not affected him at all.

“He didn’t feel anywhere his best physically, but he put himself on the pitch for the team and performed really well.”

The speculation around Almiron’s future has come amid Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales suggesting the club would have to sell players before making major signings because of the limitations from financial rules.

Newcastle are owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), although Al-Shabab are not one of the clubs owned by PIF.

Almiron joined for about £20m in 2019, then a club-record fee, and has played 196 times for the club, including 32 appearances this season.

“I expect to be finished for the window,” Howe said.

“I think there’s now very little time left to be able to do anything, whether in or out. That’s where it stands.

“I don’t think we have the ability to do anything. As far as I know at the moment, there’s nothing going to happen, although there’s still time left.”