Tottenham and Chelsea have reportedly expressed an interest in signing Newcastle winger Allan Saint-Maximin this summer.
However the London sides are both believed to have been reluctant in meeting the Magpies’ £40million valuation of the French forward.
The Premier League rivals were hopeful in acquiring Saint-Maximin for a low-priced fee due to Newcastle’s recent wealth.
According to The Athletic, Spurs, Chelsea and a number of European sides have explored the option of signing the 25-year-old.
The Blues are undergoing a squad overhaul in the current window under their new ownership, while it appears that manager Thomas Tuchel is keen to add one more attacker to his forward line.
Raheem Sterling has already made a £50m switch to Stamford Bridge as Chelsea look to close the gap on last season’s top two Manchester City and Liverpool.
Tottenham are also said to have identified the former France under-21 international as a potential target, yet Antonio Conte’s attacking woes have been relieved by the arrival of attacker Richarlison.
Saint-Maximin’s representatives are eager to seal a new deal in the North East. The Frenchman has been overtaken as one of the club’s highest earners by the new arrivals this summer.
However the Magpies have informed the winger that he must demonstrate that he is worthy of receiving a salary increase.
The 25-year-old scored five goals and assisted just as many in 35 Premier League appearances last season, finishing the campaign as the club’s joint-second top scorer in the league.
The forward has become a fan favourite at St. James’ Park since joining from Nice in 2019, but has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football.
And it remains to be seen whether the Toon’s £40m asking price for Saint-Maximin will put off potential admirers as the window draws on.