Newcastle United could reportedly lose Allan Saint-Maximin this summer as Tottenham Hotspur eye up a potential move for the Frenchman.
The Lowdown: Saint-Maximin impressed v Liverpool
The 25-year-old was impressive against Liverpool in the Premier League on Saturday evening, despite Newcastle's 2-0 defeat at St James' Park.
The winger won seven of his duels and had three shots on goal, one of which hit the woodwork, while he also recorded a player-high seven dribbles, made two key passes and created one big chance (Sofascore).
The Chronicle's Newcastle United editor Aaron Stokes described him as 'daring, fearless and dangerous', and called for him to start in the Carabao Cup final against Manchester United next weekend, while Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher gave him man-of-the-match despite being on the losing side.
The Latest: Tottenham interested in Saint-Maximin
As per The Sunday People (19/2, page 62; via The Boot Room), Tottenham could make a move for Saint-Maximin this summer after monitoring him in the January transfer window.
The Frenchman's future could lie away from Tyneside following the arrival of winger Anthony Gordon from Everton last month, with Spurs looking to put themselves in the mix for the 25-year-old's signature.
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The Verdict: Keep him!
Newcastle must be looking to keep Saint-Maximin at all costs and especially dismiss any notion of selling him to a rival for a top-four finish in the Premier League.
He showed glimpses of his magical capabilities against Liverpool and has been dubbed 'unplayable' at times by Rob Lee in the past.
Saint-Maximin possesses unique dribbling skills, as evidenced over the weekend, and ranks in the 99th percentile for successful take-ons and 97th for progressive carries per game of all his positional peers in Europe's top five leagues over the past year (FBref).
The Frenchman is capable of producing moments out of nothing, so the Magpies should be looking to keep hold of him beyond this season.