Newcastle United could be forced to cash in on star man Allan Saint-Maximin to raise transfer funds this summer, amid Chelsea and Tottenham links.
According to Daily Mail, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of signing exciting French winger Allan Saint-Maximin in the summer transfer window have increased. The 25-year-old attacker is said to be frustrated over the disparity between his wages compared to the club’s top earners, and his head is turned by the greater salaries that could be on his table elsewhere.
Saint-Maximin joined Newcastle United as a relatively unknown quantity from OGC Nice in the summer of 2019 and quickly became a huge fan favourite on Tyneside for his flamboyant style of play that boasts plenty of trickery and explosive pace. He also shares an intimate relationship with the Newcastle supporters for his charismatic personality and dry humour.
On the pitch, Saint-Maximin has been one of the Magpies’ best performers in recent seasons, having been directly involved in 28 goals from 93 appearances across his three seasons at the club. Not to mention, he dragged Newcastle out of a hole many times during their relegation struggles under Steve Bruce.
Despite penning fresh terms in 2020 and still having three years remaining on his current deal, Saint-Maximin would like to be rewarded for his loyalty and prominent stature at the club. But the Newcastle hierarchy are unable to do so at the moment due to the strict wage structure in place.
After Newcastle spent around £94 million in the January transfer window, Eddie Howe has been limited to just a £100 million transfer kitty for this summer due to being under the close watch of Financial Fair Play. So Newcastle are craving for creative ways in order to boost their transfer funds by player sales and could now be open to sacrificing one of their major stars.
It is understood that potential suitors have been deterred by the £40 million price tag that Newcastle had placed on the Frenchman previously. And now that the Magpies’ hierarchy are considering selling Saint-Maximin to increase their spending budget, fellow Premier League opponents are keeping a close eye on the Frenchman’s availability this summer.
Chelsea, for one, are believed to be keen on acquiring the dazzling Frenchman. But considering they already have capable attackers in the likes of Callum Hudson-Odoi and Timo Werner, it makes little sense. Furthermore, they are closing in on the capture of Manchester City’s Raheem Sterling, who occupies similar spaces as Saint-Maximin and is a better finisher than the former.
As for Tottenham, manager Antonio Conte may view Saint-Maximin as a cheaper alternative to Richarlison or Raphinha, but the Frenchman, unlike the other two options, provides very little defensive cover and lacks that final ball. Additionally, with Son Heung-min occupying the left flank position at Tottenham Hotspur, the 25-year-old Newcastle attacker will most likely be used in a bit-part role if he does move to the north London club.
In truth, the report needs to be taken with a pinch of salt since Eddie Howe has already confirmed that he sees Saint-Maximin being a part of his long-term plans, while the same outlet claimed last month that Saint-Maximin is set to stay last month.
