Tottenham's attack could have a new look come August as Fabio Paratici and Antonio Conte look to make key changes to the squad this summer. Following the arrival of Ivan Perisic from Inter Milan on a free transfer and Fraser Forster set to join from Southampton, more incomings are expected to take place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium before the summer transfer deadline.
Steven Bergwijn could be one player who departs ahead of the new campaign, with Ajax the favourites to sign him after failing to clinch a deal for the Dutch international at the turn of the year. Spurs cannot afford to leave themselves too short across the pitch with Premier League, Champions League, FA Cup and Carabao Cup on the agenda in 2022/23, thus meaning the Dutchman will need to be replaced if he does indeed exit.
football.london understands that Paratici is weighing up a move for Newcastle United ace Allan Saint-Maximin this summer. Spurs' managing director of football is known to be a big admirer of the player and the Frenchman would give the Lilywhites an X-factor in attack due to his incredible range of skills and his unpredictability.
READ MORE: Newcastle ace Allan Saint-Maximin on Fabio Paratici transfer shortlist as Tottenham consider bid
So what exactly have others in the game said about the Newcastle United attacker since his arrival in the Premier League? football.london takes a look.
Alan Shearer on Saint-Maximin
"Despite a tough time contracting Covid and a lengthy recovery, Allan Saint-Maximin continues to impress. He's fast, skilful, strong and not afraid to take other players on with the most dribbles per 90 minutes of any Newcastle player this season. And with that regard, he's up there with the Premier League's best.
"He can pick out a pass but also has the ability to blow a game wide open with a moment of brilliance. The fans can see he has bags of potential and gets people out of their seats but he has to work on his end product if he's to take his game to the next level."
Rob Lee on Saint-Maximin after his performance in Newcastle's win over Everton in February 2022
"Saint-Maximin was absolutely unplayable tonight, I have seen him play well but he was outstanding tonight, by far the best player on the pitch. I would have loved to see him score a goal, he was creating stuff, he had the end product, people were getting on the end of his crosses, he was causing so many problems throughout the game. He was that good, that good."
Frank Lampard after his Everton team came up against Saint-Maximin
“Allan Saint-Maximin is pretty unplayable at any level of football, the way he played tonight.”
Joleon Lescott on Saint-Maximin after his performance against the Toffees
“Saint-Maximin was outstanding, unplayable at times. He was causing so many problems going forward. He is so unpredictable, I certainly would not want to play against him!
“He is a joy to watch as a fan and ex-player because when he runs at you, he has great balance, great speed, and in terms of his outcomes, they are becoming more consistent and if he keeps creating chances and players are in the right positions, Newcastle will score lots of goals.
“If he continues to produce that every game, he won’t be playing at Newcastle, he plays for one of the best teams in the world because he has got that much talent, he is a remarkable player.”
Gary Neville after Saint-Maximin wowed in Newcastle's draw vs Leeds in September 2021
"What was incredible was we came down here [by the touchline] to watch him at eye level. To see his speed, his movement, it’s absolutely breath-taking. We were defenders in the Premier League and played against lots of good players. But every team now has three or four players who are unpredictable and brilliant, he’s breath-taking.
He added: "If this was any other club you’d think the manager is getting the best out of Saint-Maximin. He plays with freedom and expression. Honestly, he’s a massive threat and a nightmare for defenders. He creates chance after chance. He’s brilliant for Newcastle fans and a real positive part of the team.”
Owen Hargreaves on Saint-Maximin after the Leeds game
"He’s fabulous to watch, he really is. Surely he’s going to sell a few shirts up at Newcastle. Could you imagine him in some of the big teams where they couldn’t really key on him and he’d have a lot more space to work?
“If he played in a team where they had more firepower, I don’t think you can stop him one v one. Honestly, he’s almost unplayable.”
Steve Bruce on Saint-Maximin after Newcastle's 4-1 win at Bournemouth in July 2020
“Every ground I go to, people want to talk about him. We’ve seen what he is like when he’s fit, and I think the lockdown has helped him with his hamstring. He had that nasty hamstring injury, but he seems to be over it now, and he’s a wonderful, wonderful talent.
"He’s just got to keep his feet on the ground and not get too carried away, because he’s still got a lot to do. But three assists in a game just shows what he’s capable of. There are still things he has to learn, but he’s a real, real talent, and a real find for the club.
"He gets you off your seat. He can be hard work at times to manage, don’t get me wrong, but he’s a really wonderful talent.”
Bruce on Saint-Maximin after his role in Newcastle's win vs Burnley in October 2020
"He's got breath-taking ability, but we all know there's a bit of the maverick in him which becomes sometimes difficult. But he's different, unique, a wonderful footballer and skills as good as I've worked with.
"He's still got a lot of work to do defensively-wise, of course, but when he gets you faced up and when gets you one-on-one in the box and the pace and power he's got left or right, then he is naturally a joy to watch. Let's hope he keeps on improving because he's a big asset to us when he's right."
Eddie Howe on Saint-Maximin
"I've got a great relationship with Maxi. 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 he has a long-term future at the club."
