Everton one step closer in bid to sign Allan Saint-Maximin amid Fabrizio Romano update at Newcastle United

Fabrizio Romano claims Harvey Barnes is close to a move to Newcastle United, meaning Everton-linked Allan Saint-Maximin could potentially be leaving St James’ Park.

Speaking in his Daily Briefing on CaughtOffside on Sunday morning (9 July), Romano tipped the Leicester City winger to join Newcastle amid reports Sean Dyche’s side were interested [Liverpool Echo] but now could move to Tyneside in as little as seven days.

However, Everton have reportedly been keeping tabs on Saint-Maximin [90min]. The French winger has fallen out of favour at St James’ Park, meaning Barnes’ move to Eddie Howe’s side could facilitate an Everton move for Saint-Maximin.

Romano said: “Leicester City winger Harvey Barnes is now close to Newcastle, I think this deal could be closed within the next seven to ten days if all goes to plan. It’s also possible for Allan Saint-Maximin to leave Newcastle. It’s not guaranteed yet, but it’s a possibility and is being discussed on club side.”

Good deal for all sides

Everton need to add to their dwindling attacking options. Dwight McNeil was the Toffees’ top scorer in the league last season with seven goals, showing their need for an attacking influence.

While Saint-Maximin is not an out-and-out goalscorer, what he does with the ball to stretch the play and allow his teammates to make runs goes a long way in boosting his sides’ goal haul.

His 7.47 progressive carries per 90 (99th percentile) show his world-class quality and keeping the ball and advancing it up the field. This allows other attacking teammates to make runs into the box and get on the end of Saint-Maximin’s crosses.

With 5.22 shot-creating actions per 90 (91st percentile) [FBRef], the Frenchman is very talented at making an attacking line tick, which is exactly what Everton needs.

While Barnes would have been a quality signing for Everton, and perhaps a financially smarter one, sealing the former Nice man would prove excellent business and could set them up for a much stronger season.

While Barnes is more of a goalscorer, with 13 league goals last campaign, Saint-Maximin could help Dominic Calvert-Lewin rediscover his form after an injury-riddled season and help improve the players around him.

Newcastle great Shay Given called Saint-Maximum a “phenomenal” player last year, but the 26-year-old could be showing his skill and talent at Goodison Park, not St James’.

In Everton news, Alan Myers has shared a major update on Sean Dyche’s future after a development over his sacking has emerged recently.