Newcastle United are still chasing potential deals for Joelinton and Allan Saint-Maximin, according to the Mirror.
The newspaper claimed on their website that the Magpies will push on in their pursuit of new signings in the window, despite the departure of Rafael Benitez on Monday.
The Mirror report that Joelinton is a £30million-plus target, whereas Allan Saint-Maximin would cost £25million this summer.
Newcastle chiefs are expected to pursue targets that former manager Benitez was not keen on after they drafted up a shortlist with their scouting team at St James’ Park.
Mike Ashley had reportedly offered Benitez a £50million transfer budget for the summer, with any funds from player sales being added to that.
OPINION
This seems a strange update in regards to Newcastle’s transfer business. It is hard to see if these players could make an impact in the North-East after Benitez had reportedly turned them down as potential signings before his departure. The Spaniard holds great experience in attracting top talent to any club he is at, and his opinion will be highly rated. Joelinton has been in good form this season for Hoffenheim, being involved in 20 goals in 35 appearances, but it still seems hard to accept that Ashley would spend up to £30million when his departure from the club is imminent. Any potential signings will surely depend on the reported takeover of the Bin Zayed Group, with Ashley surely counting down the days till he ends his era at Newcastle. As for Saint-Maximin, £25million would surely be bad business for a player who has only scored 11 goals in his 74 appearances for OGC Nice. After the departure of Benitez, it seems that senior figures at the club would like to explore new routes, but they must tread carefully in their attempt to strengthen the squad.
