Allan Saint-Maximin has been one of the best players in the league in the last few months (Getty Images)
According to the Sun, Everton are interested in signing Newcastle United winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer.
Allan Saint-Maximin, 22, has excited with his performances since his switch to Newcastle United from OGC Nice last summer. He has netted two goals and registered an assist in 23 league games. The winger scored the winner against 10-man Southampton at the St. Mary’s on Sunday.
The Sun claims that Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti had sent scouts to watch the Frenchman in Newcastle United’s 3-2 FA Cup win over West Brom last week. However, the Magpies will face competition from Crystal Palace for Saint-Maximin, who is now likely to be worth around £30m.
Carlo Ancelotti has managed to improve Everton to a great extent, transforming the side that was battling relegation to a top-four challenger. He has worked well to make the Toffees more dangerous going forward, with strikers Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison scoring goals consistently of late.
Even though they were given a 4-0 hiding by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the Merseysiders remain six points behind sixth-placed Wolves. Everton have some really exciting attacking players such as Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin, Bernard, Alex Iwobi and Moise Kean at their disposal.
As Richarlison has excelled up front with Calvert-Lewin, the likes of Gylfi Sigurdsson, Iwobi and Bernard have often played on the left flank. However, none of them are natural wide players as they often try to cut inside and create chances for their teammates.
Thus, Ancelotti should sign a left-winger this summer and Saint-Maximin would be a good fit at Goodison Park.
A winger who is comfortable playing on either flank, Saint-Maximin is most comfortable playing on the left, as seen from his performances at Nice and Newcastle. His first season in England has not been particularly impressive but he has shown glimpses of quality and could improve under a master tactician like Ancelotti.
The Frenchman is adept at creating chances for his teammates and scoring goals. His numbers at Newcastle don’t justify the kind of impact he’s had in the Premier League but his record of 11 goals and 14 assists with Nice in two seasons does show that he can make assists and score goals in equal measure.
Saint-Maximin would undoubtedly bolster Everton’s attack, whilst adding competition within the squad. In the Frenchman, Everton could finally get an out-and-out left-winger that’ll allow Richarlison to start games up front alongside Calvert-Lewin next term.
Under Ancelotti, Saint-Maximin can go on to establish himself at a higher level and can develop into a fearsome forward. He is a player filled with talent and potential. Therefore, the Toffees must secure his services ahead of Crystal Palace.
