Chelsea have deemed the £40 million valuation for Newcastle United star Allan Saint-Maximin too high, according to reports.
Newcastle have found themselves in a tricky spot in their contract negotiations with Saint-Maximin as Premier League sides look to swoop in and sign the tricky winger.
The Magpies are looking to raise funds this summer and have identified that the Frenchman could be a player they need to let go in order to balance the books.
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Chelsea and Tottenham are two of the clubs sniffing around a potential transfer for Saint-Maximin, however both feel as though the £40 million valuation set is too high.
As reported by the Daily Mail, it is understood that Saint-Maximin has had his 'head-turned' by greater salaries that are on offer, and that this may lure him away from staying in Newcastle much longer.
The wage structure at Newcastle is limiting the amount they can offer the fan-favourite, and although they understand his frustration, they feel there is little they can do to resolve the situation.
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Chelsea and Tottenham will both be hoping to make the most of this dilemma the club and player are having, potentially thinking they could get a cut deal for the 25-year-old. an elite winger of immense talent.
Boss Eddie Howe has piled praise upon Saint-Maximin last season, saying: "I’ve really enjoyed working with him and we need him at his very best levels as he could potentially be the difference.
“He’s an incredible talent and of course has a long-term future at the club.”
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He continued: “I have got a great relationship with Maxi.”
There is certainly mutual respect between the two after Saint-Maximin’s admission following Newcastle's top-flight survival last term.
“Eddie Howe is really strong at building relationships and you can feel it on the pitch.
"Without that, I don’t think we would have managed to climb back up the table like we did.”
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With this relationship being formed, you cannot imagine he would want to leave on bad terms so the offers made would need to be very tempting.
This summer window has seen Chelsea hunting for attackers to help bolster their firepower up top and while the likes of Ousmane Dembele and Raheem Sterling have been the leading options, Saint-Maximin could prove to be a fantastic addition.
Last season he netted five times and picked up five assists in 37 appearances in all competitions.
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With potential other players heading for the exit door such as Hakim Ziyech and Christian Pulisic, the Frenchman is full of Premier League experience and could comfortably slot into the side.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Allan Saint-Maximin, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Football, Premier League, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours