Despite Allan Saint-Maximin finishing last season as Newcastle’s top assist-maker and second-best goalscorer, his future at St James’ Park is uncertain. The 25-year-old has spent three years at Newcastle but hasn’t scored more than five goals and hasn’t made more than five assists in one league season.
Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea are interested in Saint-Maximin and have been told to pay in excess of £40m for the Frenchman, so Dean Jones says Newcastle wouldn’t hesitate to sell if an acceptable offer came their way. He told Give Me Sport: “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.”
Saint-Maximin is Newcastle’s best-performing winger, contributing considerably more than Jacob Murphy (1 goal, 2 assists), Miguel Almiron (1 goal, 0 assists) and Ryan Fraser (2 goals, 3 assists), but he’s worth a lot more money than his teammates.
Paul Robinson said Eddie Howe has to think about Financial Fair Play, so it would be beneficial to sell Saint-Maximin if he believes Newcastle can cope in his absence. Jones’ comments suggest that it’s a genuine possibility this summer.
Saint-Maximin has scored 11 goals with 14 assists from 86 league games, so he’s contributed a goal every 3.4 games on average. To sell a player of his calibre for £40m might be too good to turn down.
