Everton are plotting a move to sign Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, according to the Sun.
What’s the latest?
The young winger has generated a lot of excitement with his performances since his switch to the Premier League at the beginning of the season, and it appears Carlo Ancelotti is a fan.
The Italian was reportedly in the stands at the Hawthorns to watch his display against West Brom, a match he impressed in with an assist and a WhoScored rating of 7.8.
Newcastle signed the Frenchman for £16.5m but he could now be worth almost double that, with the Sun suggesting he is valued at up to £30m.
Crystal Palace will also look to make a move for the 22-year-old, as they view Saint-Maximin as the successor to Wilfried Zaha, should he finally depart Selhurst Park.
Adding a new dynamic
It is intriguing that the Toffees have registered an interest in the Newcastle man, considering they were also heavily linked with a move for Zaha last summer.
The pair boast very similar attributes, and in fact both rank inside the top three in the Premier League for most successful dribbles per game.
Watch Everton Videos With StreamFootball.tv Below
Saint-Maximin has made a remarkable 4.4 per game, far exceeding Everton’s best – Seamus Coleman – with 1.9 per game.
That suggests the Merseyside outfit lack players who can run with the ball at the opposition, and therefore Saint-Maximin would give them a directness and adventure that they have lacked this term.
So far Ancelotti has worked well to make Everton more dangerous, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s eight goals in ten league games prior to the Chelsea clash showing that he has improved considerably.
Did he play for Everton? Simple question but a lot tougher than you think…
However, a recent 1-1 draw with Manchester United highlighted the need to add another dimension to the attack, a plan B that can unsettle the opposition and get a decisive goal.
Saint-Maximin is beginning to show that he could provide that, with a goal and assist in his last two games indicating that he is now starting to produce in the final third.
Meanwhile, our team of Football FanCast writers have been offering their opinions on whether the club should extend the contract of a much-loved player…