Despite a resounding win against arch rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford yesterday evening, Manchester United still need to strengthen in the attacking department before the transfer window closes in 10 days time.
The Red Devils have been linked with a number of strikers but ne new name has been thrown into the mix today that will set tongues wagging on social media – Allan Saint Maximin.
MediaFoot Marseille write that “according to our information, he remains closely watched at the end of the summer transfer window. And in particular by Manchester United.
“According to our sources, a club is considering betting on him… It’s Manchester United, who have not yet completed their shopping.
“The Mancunians like the explosive profile of Saint-Maximin and do not rule out moving before August 31.
“At 25, under contract until June 2026, it will however be difficult to get ASM out by the end of the window. Newcastle has significant financial means and … United will have to pull out all the stops to afford it.”
The mercurial Frenchman is one of up-and-coming Newcastle United’s star players and, as MediaFoot say, a transfer will not come easily given their financial clout.
Saint Maximin is valued at €32 million by Transfermarkt.com but Newcastle would probably demand in excess of double that amount for a player who has become their talisman.
But the parallels with United legend Eric Cantona are hard to deny and if Cristiano Ronaldo is to leave United, the club simply need to replace him with a quality player.
Proven in the Premier League, Saint Maximin is principally a left winger but can operate as a striker. In that sense he is a similar prospect to another player linked with a switch to Old Trafford, Cody Gakpo, although the similarities probably stop there.
Gakpo himself is reported in some quarters to be a backup option to Ajax’s Antony, although other reports claim United will go for two forward players in the window if Ronaldo leaves.
It could therefore be that Saint-Maximin is a third choice option, but if so, he is certainly a quality one at that.