Pundit can’t believe Allan Saint-Maximin could quit Newcastle United after source’s £50m+ bid news
Noel Whelan has insisted Mykhaylo Mudryk will not be a direct replacement for Allan Saint-Maximin at Newcastle United despite a potential club-record outlay.
The former Leeds striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Magpies are “not blessed with a huge squad” – and the versatile 21-year-old could change that.
Football Insider revealed on Friday (11 November) that Newcastle United are laying the groundwork to sign Shakhtar Donetsk sensation Mudryk for what could be a club-record fee.
It is understood that the Magpies have made preliminary moves over a potential January deal costing £50million-plus amid competition from Arsenal.
The left-sided winger has notched eight goals and seven assists across 15 games in all competitions so far this term.
Meanwhile, Saint-Maximin has managed a goal and three assists after playing just eight times due to injury.
Whelan suggested Newcastle must take advantage of their lofty league position in January by bringing in Champions League-level players like Mudryk.
He told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Eddie Howe is just looking for more options.
“When you see how healthy their start to the season has been, they’ve got to take advantage of that.
“If you’re sat in the Champions League places, you don’t want to miss an opportunity to bring in that level of player and fall out of those spots.
“It won’t surprise me that they’ll be active in January.
“They’re not blessed with a huge squad. So Mudryk coming in will just add to the quality they’ve already got with Saint-Maximin and just give that extra layer of protection.
“It’ll be a very demanding back end to the season with injuries and suspensions after the World Cup.”
In other news, Football Insider updates with Newcastle United ready to accept winger offer after green light.