Newcastle United would reportedly be willing to listen to offers in the region of £50 million for star man Alan Saint-Maximin this summer.
The newly wealthy Magpies will be under no pressure to sell the Frenchman, who still has four years left to run on his deal at St James’ Park, but would be willing to part ways with the tricky winger should a bid of around that amount be tabled, with Aston Villa thought to be considering a proposal.
Saint-Maximin has quickly become a fan favourite on Tyneside, and has made 22 Premier League starts so far this campaign, returning 5 goals and 3 assists, although he has not started the last 6 games through a mixture of injury and illness.
Allan Saint-Maximin could be on the move this summer, if reports are to be believed. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)
And the Daily Mail report that Newcastle are looking to raise around £60 million through player sales this summer, as they battle Financial Fair Play rules while still trying to completely overhaul their squad, with Saint-Maximin potentially accounting for a significant chunk of those funds.
‘Saint-Maximin could now be sacrificed as the club look to make the next step up in their development’, the report claims.
Who could replace the Frenchman?
Should ASM depart, there are thought to be two names lined up to replace him in the wide areas at St James’ Park. The first of those is Saint-Maximin’s compatriot, and potential rival for a place in France’s 2022 World Cup squad Moussa Diaby.
The Leverkusen man has enjoyed a fine season to date, with 12 goals and 9 assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances, but could well be priced out of a move to the north-east, with Newcastle still very wary of being taken advantage of in the transfer market.
BERGAMO, ITALY – MARCH 10: Moussa Diaby (L) of Bayer 04 Leverkusen celebrates his goal with teammate Florian Wirtz during the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 Leg One match between Atalanta and Bayer Leverkusen at Stadio di Bergamo on March 10, 2022 in Bergamo, Italy. (Photo by Emilio Andreoli/Getty Images)
The other option, Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson, could be more realistic. Johnson has shone for the midlands outfit this campaign, and caught the eye on their FA Cup run to the quarter finals. In the Championship, the 20 year old has managed 13 goals and 6 assists this season.
What is clear from both targets is the policy that Newcastle are pursuing, with the club keen to build for the future with young blood rather than employ more experienced reserve options from top clubs. Should they stick to their guns, they could create a very exciting squad for the future on Tyneside.
