Kevin Phillips says Newcastle will struggle to keep hold of Allan Saint-Maximin this summer, claiming Tottenham would be the perfect destination for him.
The winger could do nothing to prevent defeat to Arsenal but has been vital to the Magpies in recent weeks, contributing significantly to the two wins and two draws to move them away from relegation danger.
And Phillips insists that Saint-Maximin is now a “complete player” and Newcastle will be hard pushed to keep him from leaving the club when suitors come calling this summer.
Early loser: Newcastle, failing to lay a glove on rudderless Arsenal
Phillips told Football Insider: “You could see him going to Tottenham. From their point of view, he’d be a great signing.
“There would certainly be at least a dozen teams in the Premier League who would take him.
“He’s so unpredictable and he’s got great talent. Even though he had that injury problem, he’s improved as the season’s gone on.
“He’s got that end product as well. He’s turning into a complete player. This kid’s got pace and the ability to drop a shoulder, turn this way and that.
“From a Newcastle point of view, you’d be devastated to see him leave. But naturally, when you’re a star, everyone’s looking at you.”
Newcastle boss Steve Bruce conceded after the loss to Arsenal that Saint-Maximin’s usual “magic” wasn’t there.
He said: “We are delighted to see we are a bigger threat. Allan Saint-Maximin in the last few weeks has produced all sorts of magic but it wasn’t quite there today. We’ve never thought [we’re safe]. We have four games left and we still have a lot to play for.
“We didn’t play well enough today against a decent Arsenal team. We have to regroup, go again and get ready for next week.
“It was simply that service to [the attackers]. I think Allan probably played too deep. He was a little frustrated and got too deep.
But Bruce is desperate to keep Saint-Maximin at the club, while admitting he has the quality to attract widespread interest.
Bruce added: “The last thing we want to be doing is selling our best players.
“I have no doubt he will attract interest because you only have to watch him once and realise that he’s a really gifted, talented footballer…he scored a goal in training the other day which was just remarkable. Pity we haven’t got footage of it.”
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