Calciomercato have revealed that Newcastle attacker Allan Saint-Maximin has emerged as a potential transfer target for Everton next summer.
What's the latest transfer news involving Saint-Maximin?
The 24-year-old has started the season brilliantly on Tyneside, registering five goal contributions in his six Premier League appearances. However, he is yet to end up on the winning team thus far, and with Newcastle struggling, it would not be a major surprise to see him move elsewhere in the near future.
Everton are keeping tabs on the forward, but they could face competition for his signature, as it is claimed that Chelsea and Liverpool also admire the Frenchman's skillset.
What have the experts said about Saint-Maximin?
Newcastle World journalist Liam Kennedy has kept a close eye on Saint-Maximin since he arrived at St James' Park two years ago, and has been impressed by the way he has learned from his mistakes and looked to constantly develop his game under Steve Bruce.
Speaking to GIVEMESPORT about Saint-Maximin, Kennedy said: “He’s a player to me, who is a quick learner. He really learns the game, loves the game. He is a student of the game as well as being a very, very good footballer.”
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The perfect James Rodriguez replacement?
It was confirmed last week that James Rodriguez had left Everton after just a year at the club to join Al-Rayyan in Qatar. His stay on Merseyside may have been a short one, but he did show moments of class last season as he was directly involved in 10 top-flight goals. According to WhoScored, he was Everton's best player across the course of the campaign, receiving an average game rating of 7.21, so he will need to be suitably replaced.
Saint-Maximin, who is valued at £27m by Transfermarkt, could be the ideal candidate to come in and take his spot in the side. He has shown this season that he can step up and be a reliable talisman for Newcastle, much like Rodriguez was for Everton when at his best last term.
In fact, it could be argued that Saint-Maximin would suit Rafael Benitez's style of play more than Rodriguez. Everton's wingers Demarai Gray and Andros Townsend have thrived in the opening weeks of the campaign as the Toffees have used their pace on the counter-attack to good effect.
Saint-Maximin is also very quick, and his ability to dribble from deep to create opportunities could be just what Everton need in the post-Rodriguez era.