The France under-20 international is just the type of player Newcastle should be looking at, as they try to enforce their transfer policy of snapping up young talent.
He made 35 Ligue 2 appearances for the French side last season, scoring an impressive 14 goals, and chipping in with four assists.
Arsenal were thought to be in the frame for the prospect, but it seems Manuel Pellegrini has made the first move.
With Newcastle looking for reinforcements both up front and on either wing, Claude-Maurice would be the perfect player to bring in.
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Comfortable in a central role, or wide on the left, he could be seen as competition on both fronts at St James’ Park.
Claude-Maurice has all the hallmarks of a Newcastle signing under Mike Ashley
With his age, potential and eye for goal, he ticks all the boxes for a Newcastle signing.
Add to that, his opportunity to perfect his skills under the eye of master tactician, and renowned coach, Rafa Benitez – should the Spaniard stay on Tyneside – and you have the makings of a future star on your hands.
Mike Ashley, likes to sign player who will have an increased sell-on value in years to come, and there is little doubt that the Frenchman’s value will appreciate under the tutelage of Benitez.
It would be in Newcastle’s best interests to hijack any bid from the Capital for the starlet, and lure him to the North East.
The Magpies, of course, are still in the frame to bring Salomon Rondon back next season, but with Ayoze Perez’s future in the air, Claude-Maurice could, potentially, be the ideal replacement.