Nottingham Forest have submitted an enquiry to sign Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin, according to reports.
The Lowdown: Alongside Wood
The Frenchman’s contract with the Premier League high flyers isn’t set to expire until 2026, but having missed a large portion of the season with two injuries, has struggled to force his way back into Eddie Howe’s plans and is now receiving a lack of game time.
Striker Chris Wood swapped St. James’ Park for The City Ground earlier in the month on an initial loan deal with the option to buy, but it turns out he wasn’t the only Magpies star that the Reds have their eye on.
The Latest: Forest eyeing Saint-Maximin
According to The Telegraph (via NottinghamshireLive), Forest ‘made an enquiry’ for Saint-Maximin ‘during the negotiations’ of Wood’s move.
The Midlands outfit ‘asked’ about a potential deal for the 25-year-old but Newcastle were quick to insist that they wanted to keep hold of him until ‘at least’ the summer.
The Verdict: Worth another attempt?
Saint-Maximin has been dubbed a ‘magical’ player by Howe and it’s definitely worth Forest making a second approach for him should the opportunity arise at the end of the season.
The Puma-sponsored winger has posted 32 goal contributions during his time in the northeast and currently ranks in the 99th percentile for most dribbles completed per 90 minutes by wingers in Europe's top five leagues.
The Reds have to maintain their top-flight status because the club won’t be as much of an appealing option should they get relegated, but Wood could easily convince his former teammate to join him under Steve Cooper.