Newcastle United would drive Allan Saint-Maximin to Chelsea this summer, claims transfer insider Dean Jones.

The Frenchman has been linked to the Blues, and Jones says his current club are keen to cash in on him.

GiveMeSport Transfer News

GiveMeSport Transfer News

What is the latest news involving Saint-Maximin?

According to The Athletic, Chelsea are one side who have made an enquiry about signing Saint-Maximin.

Their London rivals Tottenham are thought to have done the same, but it is believed that Newcastle's demand for a fee of over £40m has scared off interested parties.

Saint-Maximin, who is said to be on £93,000 a week at St James' Park, was a key player for the Magpies last season.

In total, he made 35 appearances in the Premier League and produced 10 goal contributions. Nevertheless, it appears that Newcastle are open to selling him this summer if the right offer comes in.

What has Jones said about Saint-Maximin's Newcastle future?

Jones believes Newcastle would take Saint-Maximin to Chelsea themselves.

Speaking to GIVEMESPORT, the journalist said: "Saint-Maximin, Newcastle would drive him there, to be honest. I mean, they are looking for a buyer for Saint-Maximin, and if it was Chelsea, their eyes would light up and they would be very keen to get every penny they possibly could out of him.

"I know Tottenham have been linked to Saint-Maximin, too. Newcastle don't see him as part of their future project."

Will Saint-Maximin end up at Chelsea?

It does not seem impossible. It is quite clear that Thomas Tuchel wants an attacker who is deadly in one-v-one situations like Saint-Maximin.

The German was keen on Raphinha but was forced to watch the former Leeds United winger move to Barcelona rather than Chelsea.

As per The Athletic, the Blues were ready to pay £55m for the 25-year-old, so they can definitely afford Saint-Maximin. Whether they would be willing to fork out £40m plus on the Newcastle star, however, is another matter.

He also does not look to be the answer to arguably Chelsea's biggest problem, a lack of efficiency in the final third, something Tuchel recently touched on.

In 93 games for Newcastle, Saint-Maximin has scored 12 goals, which is not the sort of return that is going to take Chelsea closer to Manchester City and Liverpool.

All in all, Saint-Maximin to Chelsea is not something you would completely rule out and is a transfer Newcastle may want to see happen. However, the former Nice man does not come across as an upgrade on the majority of the Blues' current attacking options.