Newcastle United could do ‘a deal’ for star forward Allan Saint-Maximin if they receive a suitable offer, according to Sky Sports journalist Keith Downie.
The 25-year-old has become a hugely popular figure since arrived in the North East of England nearly three years ago, but he may be set for a new challenge over the summer.
What is the latest news involving Saint-Maximin?
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle are now willing to cash in on their talismanic figure after placing a £50 million price tag on him.
It’s claimed that the proceeds of Saint-Maximin’s potential St. James’ Park departure would go back into Eddie Howe’s transfer kitty, allowing him to make further additions to the first-team squad.
The former France Under-21 international signed a new six-year contract as recently as 2020, yet it seems he has no place in Howe’s long-term plans.
Aston Villa are named as a club who are monitoring the developments of Saint-Maximin’s situation, and they may have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the skilful attacker.
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In a recent interview with French magazine So Foot, he claimed that he has no reason to be jealous of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, while he also suggested that his assist figures will go up to 10-15 a season once he is playing alongside a capable finisher.
The Telegraph revealed that Howe made £16m man Saint-Maximin apologise in front of the squad for his comments despite the player insisting they were taken out of context.
What has Downie said about Saint-Maximin?
Downie believes that Newcastle’s hierarchy would sanction Saint-Maximin’s sale if an appropriate bid arrives, allowing them to ‘reinvest’ the income.
He told GiveMeSport: “I think if an offer came in for the player, the club could see that as a way to reinvest within the squad.
“Say they got £50 million for him, for example, I can see the club doing a deal for £40m, £50m. Take the money, they bought him for £17m, reinvest it elsewhere, add it on to what you've got to spend.”
Who could Newcastle sign?
Newcastle are reportedly lining up a move for Nottingham Forest winger Brennan Johnson as a possible replacement for Saint-Maximin.
The 20-year-old has registered 18 goals and nine assists in 51 appearances across all competitions this season, attracting the attention of a host of Premier League sides.
With just over one year remaining on his contract, Johnson could be available for as little as £20m, leaving plenty of room to manoeuvre in Newcastle’s budget.