Talks with Nice over talented winger Allan Saint-Maximin are continuing, according to the Shields Gazette, as Newcastle try to bring in more players before the transfer window closes next month.
The French Ligue 1 side club are said to want around £20 million, with Newcastle believed to have already had a £14m bid rejected.
The 22-year-old is a very exciting talent, and Newcastle fans will be sure to compare him to their former cult hero, Hatem Ben Arfa.
Saint-Maximin has a questionable hairstyle and a questionable goal celebration, but what is unquestionable, is his raw talent and ability.
There are, indeed, similarities between the youngster and Ben Arfa, with his close ball control while running at speed. Ben Arfa was a magician when he was on form, and used to leave fans wondering if the ball was glued to his feet.
Who could forget the goal he scored at the Gallowgate end against Blackburn in the FA Cup, where he sprinted from the halfway line, weaving between defenders before scoring.
Well, from watching videos of Saint-Maximin, he looks to have the skill to be able to emulate those types of runs.
He has all the tricks, and most importantly, an eye for goal.
Should he sign, he will have fans off their seats, with his all-round play.
Fans will hope Saint-Maximin copies Ben Arfa on the pitch, but not off it
But what fans will hope he does not have in common with Ben Arfa, is his attitude.
Unfortunately, from events towards the end of last season – including a public spat with manager Patrick Vieira – it seems that he may.
In February, Vieira said his player “decided to be sick”, which saw Saint-Maximin hit back in a tweeted reply saying he did not train due to an ankle injury.
And in April, Vieira was asked about if the youngster would leave, to which he replied: “No.
“Allan’s problem is unfortunately that he thinks his talent is enough to go to a very high level, and he must understand that he needs to work, to make sacrifices. need to suffer, and unfortunately he has not yet understood it.”
But it seems that Vieira’s patience has run out, which has seen Newcastle make their move.
Toon fans will not accept a player who will not give everything for the cause, and should he arrive, they will love to see his skills on the pitch, but will want no histrionics off it.
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
