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.
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.
📰 Table Of Contents
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 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.
