New report names asking price Mike Ashley has slapped on Allan Saint-Maximin this summer

Mike Ashley has slapped a £60million price tag on Allan Saint-Maximin to scare away Premier League rivals, according to The Mirror.

Faint rumours of a move away have been reported in the press in recent months, with the likes of Wolves and Everton linked with a move for the Frenchman – who has refused to rule out an exit should we continue to settle for relegation battles each season.

Italian giants Roma are also believed to have shown interest in the winger, who only signed a six-year deal last October.

Now, The Mirror are reporting that Newcastle have put an asking price of £60million on his head to fend off inevitable interest.

We all know the magic that Maxi can create and there is no doubt he would shine further if he was playing in a better team, but there is no chance he is worth that amount given his recent injury record – after all, he only bagged three goals last season and isn’t the finished article just yet.

With more consistency he has the potential to become a £60million player further down the line. Still only 24-years-old, there is no reason to suggest why he won’t.

I would be gutted if ASM left; he is the most exciting player we have had at St James’ Park in years and will deserve a move away to a more ambitious club if we don’t kick on under new owners in the next season or two.

Fortunately, with a six-year contract and financial uncertainty affecting clubs across Europe, I can’t see anybody willing to stump up that amount for him this summer if this really is what we’re demanding.

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