Allan Saint-Maximin has named Nantes star Ludovic Blas as a player he would like to see Newcastle United sign this summer.
The Frenchman – who represented his country alongside ASM at youth level – has been one of the standout players in Ligue 1 this season, bagging 14 goals and three assists,
He was linked with a move to Tyneside on two separate occasions in January and March, so it remains to be seen if we do hold genuine interest in the 24-year-old talent.
Speaking to Goal, Saint-Maximin also namechecked Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta as a player Toon teammate Bruno Guimaraes is “very fond of.”
The Brazilian is known to be Bruno’s ‘best friend’ and also someone head scout Steve Nickson knows well, with the Chronicle recently confirming our interest in the highly-rated playmaker.
Saint-Maximin was also asked about his future on Tyneside, to which he admitted “I don’t see myself leaving” – despite being approached by “several big clubs.”
Here’s what ASM had to say when asked for his thoughts on recruitment as we approach the summer transfer window:
“It’s a conversation that we will certainly have between players, with the coach and the investors.
“The coach has a well-defined idea of what he needs for his team.
“If I had to choose, it would be the heart that would speak.
“I would most certainly want my friends to join the club.
“I am thinking for example of Ludovic Blas.
“I really like the person and what he also does in Nantes.
“He scored a lot of goals. It is an essential element [at] Nantes.
“I know that Bruno is very fond of [Lucas] Paqueta.”
When asked about his future on Tyneside, Saint-Maximin then had this to say:
“To be honest, right now I don’t see myself leaving Newcastle.
“After that, there are a lot of things that can change. Several big clubs approached me for a future transfer.
“These are clubs that did not come for me when I was in Nice. Newcastle came at a very important time in my career. They gave me a lot of confidence. I am a very grateful person.
“That’s why, moreover, even at times when it could be very complicated for the club, like last season, I decided not to leave so that I had the chance.
“I feel good here.”
For anyone unfamiliar with Ludovic Blas, here’s Saint-Maximin’s top summer target in action:
He actually looks pretty tasty to be fair I’d take this guy
Marc(Quote)