Everton are interested in signing 26-year-old Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, but face competition for his signature.
The ‘outstanding’ attacker is also the target of four Saudi Pro League sides, including Al Nassr, Al Hilal, Al Ittihad, and Al Ahli.
Indeed, that is according to 90MIN, who also report interest in the Frenchman from Crystal Palace as well as AC Milan and Marseille.
Saint-Maximin has been a key figure at St James’ Park since joining the Magpies in 2019 from French side Nice in a deal worth in excess of £20m.
However the winger was plagued by injuries last season, yet still managed 25 Premier League games for Newcastle, scoring just once, though he did contribute five assists.
Indeed, the role of the 26-year-old has diminished since the Toon’s 2021 takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and perhaps he would benefit from a move away from Newcastle to revitalise his career.
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Everton cannot financially compete with Saudi Arabia for signature of Saint-Maximin
Sean Dyche and Everton will likely have to be shrewd rather than profligate in this summer’s transfer window, so any move would depend on Saint-Maximin’s price tag.
Indeed, interest from four Saudi Arabian teams could scupper Everton’s chances, with the Blues unable to compete with their financial clout, in terms of both transfer fee and salary.
Furthermore, Newcastle’s majority owners PIF could well decide to move their player to the Saudi Pro League as they also have control over the four teams linked with a move for the Frenchman.
If Everton did manage to attract a player of Saint-Maximin’s class to Goodison Park, it would be an exciting arrival in a window when the Toffees need to invest wisely.
Everton have struggled to replace Richarlison since his £60m move to Spurs last summer, and Allan Saint-Maximin could finally fill that gap in the club’s attack.