Newcastle United could sign ‘another Allan Saint-Maximin’ after £45m update reported – pundit
Kevin Phillips has raised questions about Eberechi Eze’s “consistency” after Newcastle United were linked with a swoop for the midfielder.
The former Premier League striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, suggested the 23-year-old is too similar a player to Magpies duo Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron.
According to The Sun (16 February), Newcastle are lining up a £45million summer move for Crystal Palace star Eze after failing with a loan move during last month’s winter window.
The former QPR ace has been limited to just one Premier League start this season after recovering from an Achilles tendon injury suffered last season.
Eze will have three years to run on his Selhurst Park contract at the end of the season.
Phillips claimed the Englishman is a “good, young player” but questioned his ability to perform “week-in, week-out”.
“I think he would be a good signing,” he told Football Insider.
“But it’s just about whether he would bring that consistency because that’s what Newcastle need to buy if they can stay up this season.
“He’ll get the fans off their seats, but will he do it week-in, week-out? He might perform only in glimpses.
“They’ve got players like him, too, in Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron, do they really need another one that might just float through games?
“He’s obviously a good, young player but I have questions about whether he can do it consistently.”
Eze scored four goals in 36 Premier League games last season in his first season in the top flight.
The 23-year-old is most adept at playing off the left but can also function in a central midfield role.
In other news, Newcastle ace could be sold this summer after what pundit “has seen”.