Newcastle set for ‘surprise’ transfer budget and Allan Saint-Maximin dilemma – Craig Hope

According to The Mail’s Craig Hope, Newcastle United’s new owners are expected to hand Eddie Howe a summer transfer budget of ‘around £60-80million’ plus player sales this summer.

He admits that this will be a ‘surprise’ to some given we are backed by the ridiculously rich Saudi PIF, however it’s said they are keen to get ahead of FFP spending regulations and aim to build in a sustainable way.

On that subject, Hope also reveals that his sources have refused to rule out a summer move away for Allan Saint-Maximin.

The North-East reporter insists that Eddie Howe is keen to keep the Frenchman, but with player sales likely to play a part this summer and no extra revenue brought in as of yet via commercial deals, he reckons any offer around the £50m would be considered.

So, Newcastle are left with a dilemma. Do they accept any huge offer that may come their way for the enigmatic Frenchman, knowing that money could go towards a few quality additions, or do we stand firm and hope the 25-year-old can continue to grow with the club?

Interestingly, The Mail state that the arrival of a quality striker is the ‘absolute priority’ heading into the summer – and they don’t come cheap.

With that and our relatively modest budget in mind, it makes you wonder just how we’ll play it in a few month’s time, especially if a big money bid does arrive for ASM.

Saying that, Hope feels the sort of club who could afford to pay £50m for Saint-Maximin would not be keen on signing such a maverick, with one source suggesting he is a ‘good player for a bad manager, yet potentially a bad player for a good manager.’

Personally, I feel it may send out a negative message to fans, current players and some sections of the footballing world if we – as a club with such newfound ambition – sold one of our most talented players to help fund a few more summer signings…

About Olly Hawkins

As a Junior Magpie since birth and season ticket holder, I eat, sleep and breathe all things NUFC! Here at the blog, I aim to bring you news, views, match reports and transfer exclusives as and when I get them.

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