Speculation persists surrounding in-demand Newcastle United winger

The Magpies will continue their preparation program tonight when they clash with Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, but will not have the French winger among the traveling team.

By Andrew Thompson

July 18, 2023 at 5:01 pm GMT+1

Eddie Howe’s Champions League-bound Newcastle continues to prepare for the upcoming 2023-24 season tonight after the Magpies secured a return to European competition for the first time in twenty years but will be without French winger Allan Saint-Maximin.

Newcastle, who have already put a first shift in during pre-season in a 3-2 win at Gateshead three days ago, will continue their preparation program tonight when they clash with Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers, but will not have the French winger among the traveling team.

Allan Saint-Maximin has not travelled with Newcastle for the game tonight.

Saudi clubs are interested but decision will be up to the player.

Meanwhile, Newcastle keep working on Harvey Barnes deal ⚪️⚫️ #NUFC pic.twitter.com/xDSTVU3Nnk
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 18, 2023

This comes on the back of continued links to interest stemming from Roshn Saudi League clubs that have persisted at keeping the immediate future of the former French youth international standout in question across a summer transfer window where many expect the 26-year-old to depart St. James’ Park.

Newcastle has already been linked with a number of potentially suitable upgrades on ASM this summer as well, with the likes of Bayer Leverkusen’s Moussa Diaby and Società Sportiva Calcio Napoli’s Khvicha Kvaratskhelia having been touted.

However, the most likely name in the door is Leicester City’s Harvey Barnes on the back of the Foxes failing to avoid the drop to the Championship.

According to football insider Fabrizio Romano in his latest update, the Magpies continue to work on trying to strike terms for the 25-year-old Burnley-born left-sided attacker, who appears far more ideally suited to Howe’s tactical schematic when stacked against Saint-Maximin’s profile.

Given the market aggression shown by Saudi clubs this summer, and Newcastle’s direct link to PIF (who are the driving force behind the league’s talent acquisition), it is likely a deal will ultimately be hashed out that will see Saint-Maximin depart the top-flight of English football.