Newcastle reportedly ramp up efforts to sign Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin

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Newcastle are set to increase their efforts to sign Nice winger Allan Saint-Maximin, according to French outlet L’Equipe.

They report that the Ligue 1 outfit want 25 million euros (£22.5 million), but the Magpies are only willing to pay 15 million (£13.5 million) plus potential add-ons.

The confidence over lowballing apparently comes from the fact that the wideman has alienated his current club somewhat with his attitude problems.

That – along with his own investigations – has apparently put Steve Bruce off the player, but Lee Charnley has his eyes on a bargain swoop for the talented but temperamental 22-year-old.

Obviously Newcastle need players, so the interest in a young, promising wideman could be seen as a good thing during a window where business has been non-existent.

That said, it looks as if Bruce and Charnley aren’t in agreement over the player – which is likely a sign of the power struggle ahead – and that’s an awful foundation on which to do a deal.

The last thing Newcastle need to be adding into their mix now is an immature player who is coming with attitude problems – and Bruce will know that.

But it seems as if Charnley thinks he’s spotted an opportunity to get a bargain for a player they can always sell again if it doesn’t work out – and that’s how the club is run behind the scenes now.