Allan Saint-Maximin has reportedly had interest from Champions League clubs Chelsea and Tottenham this summer.
The Newcastle United winger has been heavily linked with a move away from St James’ Park – mainly by the Daily Mail. They have reported numerous times that the Frenchman is going to be sold by Newcastle.
However, that doesn’t appear to be the case.
With Newcastle currently searching for attacking reinforcements, selling their most dangerous winger would be a huge own goal.
The only way Saint-Maximin would leave the Magpies is if a mega offer came in, and that isn’t likely at all.
Chelsea and Spurs only wanted cut price Saint-Maximin deal
According to the Athletic, both Chelsea and Tottenham enquired about signing the 25-year-old. However, they were put off by Newcastle’s asking price.
The Magpies reportedly wanted £40million for Saint-Maximin, which is more than double what he cost us back in 2019. He was signed by Steve Bruce alongside Jetro Willems, who recently called his former teammate a ‘brilliant player‘.
That figure was deemed too much by Chelsea and Spurs, who both had different ideas. The Athletic add that the two London sides only wanted Saint-Maximin on a cut price deal, hoping he would be moved on amid a summer spending spree on Tyneside.
Of course, that hasn’t happened. Newcastle have spent just over £50million on three players so far, and reportedly have £50million left in the transfer kitty.
The Magpies have not been throwing cash around aimlessly like some expected, as they aim to manage the tricky waters of financial fair play.
Newcastle are being sensible and cautious this summer and thinking long term. With just one new sponsor on board so far and no assets worth selling, the club only really have their own money to spend.
That’s led to frustration in bids to sign the likes of Moussa Diaby and Alexander Isak, while the majority of Eddie Howe’s original squad remain at St James’ Park.
That includes Saint-Maximin, who is still a fan favourite on Tyneside. He’s the most exciting player we’ve got – his dribbling ability is up there with the best in the Premier League. We saw that at times last season, with Frank Lampard describing him as ‘unplayable‘ in February.
We need to see more of that ASM this season. Then he will be worth £40million, and hopefully priceless to Newcastle.
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