Watford are reportedly leading the race to sign Nice’s 22-year-old winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer.
The report claims that Newcastle were close to an agreement with the Frenchman earlier in the transfer window but the Hornets stand in pole position to land him ahead of the start of next season. Saint-Maximin is highly rated in France for his brilliant wide play but the report reveals that his deteriorated relationship with manager Patrick Vieira will see him sold this summer.
Saint-Maximin, despite only being 22, has played over 100 games in the French top-flight and has been directly involved in 29 goals in that time. The French under-21 international scored six times and provided five assists last season which is a decent return for a player of his age.
The report claims that Saint-Maximin is on top of Watford’s shortlist for a new winger for next season ahead of the likes of Rennais’ Ismalia Sarr and Kasimpasa’s Mahmoud Hassan (Trézéguet). The 22-year-old will be available for as little as £18 million this summer which would be a huge bargain for the Hornets.
Javi Gracia’s conversion of Gerard Deulofeu into a second striker has increased the need for a new winger for the Hornets and Saint-Maximin would be a tremendous addition to their squad.
The youngster is hugely versatile having played everywhere across the front three as well as a supporting striker. His pace, trickery and ability to dribble past players make him a dangerous player for the opposition and under Gracia, he can surely improve his end product in the coming years.
Watford have identified a real gem in Saint-Maximin if the reports are to be believed and Gracia should pounce at the opportunity of signing, especially if he is available for as cheap as £18 million this summer.
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