Everton are reportedly amongst the clubs keeping tabs on Newcastle forward Allan Saint-Maximin ahead of the summer transfer window.
According to a report by 90min, Newcastle United are prepared to sell their star winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, with Everton and Wolverhampton Wanderers joining Aston Villa in the pursuit of the French winger during this summer’s transfer window.
Everton’s Premier League status for next season remains in doubt as they stay in 17th place after the 2-1 away defeat at the hands of West Ham United. But that has not stopped them from being connected with fresh signings in the summer, with Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin emerging as the latest name on their radar.
Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle from OGC Nice in August 2019, and was an instant hit among the Newcastle fanbase with his trickery and pace, making him an entertaining watch.
To date, the 25-year-old has scored 12 goals and registered 14 assists in 85 appearances for the Magpies. And while this tally may seem underwhelming at the outset, one must put into context that he was plying his trade for an uninspiring and drab Newcastle side under Steve Bruce previously.
Still, only striker Callum Wilson has more direct goal involvements than the French maverick for the Magpies since the start of last season. Moreover, his ridiculously good dribbling, lung-busting runs and electrifying turn of pace make him a special commodity.
However, the Frenchman has come under criticism for his lack of end product, all-round play and work rate out of possession lately. And while his progress this season has been derailed due to an injury, there is little doubt the Frenchman has struggled of late, as highlighted by his recent performances.
To make matters worse, reports emerged over the weekend claiming Newcastle will sell the mercurial winger this summer if an offer of around £50 million comes along as a part of a major overhaul in Eddie Howe’s Toon squad. Aston Villa are said to be keen on signing the Frenchman. Saint-Maximin, meanwhile, is said to be demanding fresh terms that reflect his importance to the team.
Now 90min claims that the Newcastle hierarchy are reluctant to offer Saint-Maximin higher wages as he has over four years left on his contract and is already in the club’s top pay bracket. As a result, the player’s entourage has started looking for a possible solution for their client, with Wolves and Everton mentioned as potential destinations for the electric winger.
Richarlison has been linked with a number of moves away from Everton as a result of the club’s miserable season, with both Arsenal and Manchester United in the running to sign the Brazilian winger this summer. Should the inevitable happen, Saint-Maximin could be a great replacement.
That said, the Toffees might not be able to afford the costs involved in this move, given their dire financial state. Meanwhile, Wolves view Saint-Maximin as a like-for-like replacement for Adama Traore at Molineux, with Barcelona likely to make Spaniard’s loan into a permanent one this summer.
Whether Saint-Maximin does move to a rival Premier League club or ends up staying put at St James’ Park come summer remains to be seen.
