Steve Bruce reiterates desire to keep Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle amid Everton links
Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce is adamant that Allan Saint-Maximin is going nowhere this summer amid exit reports to Everton.
The Mirror website makes reference to a potential £40million-plus switch to Everton, but carry quotes from Bruce that suggest the 24-year-old winger will be staying on Tyneside for the forthcoming campaign.
He said: “You can never say never but absolutely, 100%, I will say that we are keeping him.
“I said when I walked through the door two years ago, and he did too, that the supporters will enjoy watching him.”
Electric
Everton have already signed a couple of wingers this summer in Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray, but neither of those are in the same league as Saint-Maximin.
The French forward is dazzling with the ball at his feet, using a scary mix of pace, power and tricks to leave flat-footed full-backs in his wake as he wreaks havoc down the wings.
Even Townsend has been impressed, calling him “phenomenal” in April [Premier League].
He’s the sort of player the Blues have been crying out for at Goodison Park, someone to leave fans on the edge of their seats.
It would be a sensational signing, but one that appears unlikely for a plethora of reasons, not least Bruce’s desire to keep hold of him.
A price north of £40million would also likely see Everton turn elsewhere, which probably explains why the Blues are pursuing Burnley winger Dwight McNeil instead.
But if Saint-Maximin does sound any exit alarms that he wants out of Newcastle, Rafa Benitez should be straight on the phone to Bruce.
In other Everton news, the Blues want to sign this 2020/21 European title winner who was at Real Madrid under Rafa Benitez.
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