Everton have shown an interest in signing Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin amid links to Saudi Arabia.
Allan Saint-Maximin is attracting Premier League interest with Everton and Crystal Palace allegedly checking on his situation.
That is according to a report from 90Min, who claim that Saint-Maximin is considering his options this summer.
It’s stated that two Premier League clubs – Everton and Palace – have been checking on his potential availability.
AC Milan and Marseille are also understood to be interested in Saint-Maximin, but major Saudi Arabian interest is now emerging.
Saudi Arabian clubs are making big splashes in the transfer market right now having landed the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Neves.
Saint-Maximin may be next and there is a clear link between Newcastle and the big Saudi Arabian clubs.
Newcastle’s majority owners PIF now own Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad and Al Ahli too, meaning a switch to one of them could be facilitated.
Allan Saint-Maximin would be a surprise Everton signing
On the one hand, Saint-Maximin – who earns around £100,000-a-week at Newcastle – has a lot of what Everton need.
The Frenchman is fast and very tricky, able to conjure up a bit of magic from nowhere.
Everton don’t really have anybody like Saint-Maximin right now and they must add more speed in the final third.
Yet Saint-Maximin would also be a surprise signing for boss Sean Dyche, who usually needs major application and defensive work rate from his wingers.
Saint-Maximin isn’t really that kind of player and is a bit of a maverick – that’s part of why he only started 12 Premier League games last season.
Eddie Howe demands a lot from his players just like Dyche, and didn’t consider Saint-Maximin to be a first-choice pick.
Maybe that flair and magic Saint-Maximin provides will tempt Everton and Dyche into a move, but beating Saudi Arabian clubs won’t be easy.
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