Newcastle United’s chances of signing Phillip Max have gotten a lot harder as Paris Saint-Germain join the race for the talented left full-back.
The report states that PSG boss Thomas Tuchel has contacted Max over a potential transfer and the German full-back has responded favourably. The two clubs are yet to have made contact but Tuchel’s influence could well sway the deal towards completion.
This could turn out to be a huge blow for Newcastle United who were offered a chance to sign Max last week according to The Chronicle. Max was expected to cost £18 million which could have been a small stumbling block for the Magpies but it will in no way be an issue to PSG this summer.
The Magpies struggled at left full-back last season due to Paul Dummett’s injury which forced then-boss Rafa Benitez to push Matt Ritchie in an unnatural defensive role. The former Bournemouth man was hugely impressive there but with Ayoze Perez now gone, he will be an integral part of Newcastle’s attack.
Steve Bruce now has just Dummett and Achraf Lazaar available but with the former’s inconsistency and the latter’s inexperience, Newcastle could do with a better option.
Max would certainly be an upgrade despite an underwhelming season last term and the Magpies pulling this off ahead of PSG will be a massive statement of intent as they head into the new season. Bruce will have to get things right to avoid having a toxic atmosphere around the club and Max’s addition after Joelinton would certainly be a step in the right direction.
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