Tottenham were among the clubs reportedly keen on signing Allan Saint-Maximin from Newcastle United with Alasdair Gold claiming in the summer that Fabio Paratici loves him – but now, he could face Spurs in the Champions League.
Saint-Maximin, 26, has fallen down the pecking order at Newcastle this season. He started the campaign as first choice under Eddie Howe. Starts in the first four league games, he had a hand in three goals – including a volley at Wolves.
But injury saw him manage just 12 minutes of Premier League action across his side’s next nine. Fit for the Toon’s last eight League matches, he has failed to start. He has made seven sub outings in those eight under boss Eddie Howe.
So, Newcastle could allow Saint-Maximin leave. Sky Italy reporter Gianluca Di Marzio claims AC Milan have opened talks to sign Saint-Maximin. The Serie A champions would have to table a fee of £26million to get the French ace.
Tottenham keen on Saint-Maximin: Could face Spurs in Champions League
Tottenham take on Milan on February 14 at the San Siro, in the first leg of the last 16 Champions League tie. It could be then, that if Milan get a deal over the line for Saint-Maximin, he could actually face Spurs – despite recent Spurs links.
Spurs then play host to Milan in the second leg on March 8. Instead of Saint-Maximin competing with Son Heung-min on Tottenham’s left flank, amid Spurs’ interest a few months ago, Spurs may now be tasked with keeping him out.
If he does play for Milan, it is unlikely he starts in his favoured position on the left flank – with Rafael Leao one of the world’s best. But, he could easily play on the left, which will see Ben Davies and Ivan Perisic come up against him.
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