Former Tottenham Hotspur defender turned BBC pundit Alan Hutton has given his verdict as the Lilywhites make contact to sign Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Lowdown: Spurs make approach...

The north Londoners, following their array of summer signings early this window, don't appear to be entirely finished despite focusing most of their efforts on outgoings as things stand.

Tottenham are said to remain in the market for a new creative presence and could even sign another centre-half despite sealing a deal for Barcelona defender Clement Lenglet on loan.

Saint-Maximin, according to reliable reports, is of interest to Spurs and managing director Fabio Paratici with The Athletic even claiming that they have made contact in the form of enquiries.

The Latest: Hutton reacts...

Speaking to Football Insider, the ex-Premier League full-back claims he would be 'surprised' if the Magpies star ended up completing a move to north London.

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Hutton explained:

“Antonio Conte plays a particular way, it’s structured, everybody has to be fit, everybody has to be running and do their bit. Saint-Maximin is a bit of a maverick, he just gets on the ball and does what he wants to do. I don’t think you can get away with that in an Antonio Conte team now.

“£40m for a guy I don’t think they need to I’d be surprised if that did actually happen.“

The Verdict: Good call?

While Hutton makes a reasonable point, Saint-Maximin as an exciting rotational option would certainly be ideal - there may be games where teams sit deep and Conte requires something a little out of the ordinary.

The Frenchman stood out as a key player for Newcastle last season, playing more minutes than anyone under Eddie Howe whilst averaging a fantastic 4.3 completed dribbles per 90 (WhoScored).

There are few who would argue his obvious threat going forward with Howe calling Saint-Maximin a 'huge, huge player' for his side and Spurs arguably in need of an extra sprinkling of creative dust to complete their summer rebuild.