Rafael Benitez has backed Miguel Almiron to shine in the Premier League after the Paraguay international became Newcastle’s record signing.

The 24-year-old has joined the Magpies on a five-and-a-half-year deal for an undisclosed fee believed to be in the region of £20million, eclipsing the £16m they paid for England striker Michael Owen in 2005.

Almiron, who has joined from Major League Soccer champions Atlanta United, became Newcastle’s second signing on transfer deadline day after Monaco full-back Antonio Barreca joined on loan for the rest of the season.

“We were following Miguel for a while and we saw a player with some pace in attack, who can play behind the striker,” Beinitez told NUFC TV.

“We have someone who can score goals and give assists.

“We know that MLS is a different challenge to the Premier League, but he has the potential to do what we are expecting and what we need.

“His impact in MLS has been really good – he’s been one of the best players this year – and hopefully he can give us more competition and more quality in the final third.”

Former Italy Under-21 international Barreca joined Monaco from Serie A Torino last July, and Newcastle have an option to complete a permanent deal in the summer.