Newcastle could have to sell Allan Saint-Maximin this summer in a bid to raise funds

Newcastle United face a dilemma over holding contract talks with Allan Saint-Maximin as Premier League rivals circle.

The French winger had been identified by Newcastle as one of several players they could sell this summer to raise funds and offset their spending.

Newcastle wanted over £40million for the fan-favourite and, while other clubs such as Tottenham and Chelsea were alerted, that valuation was deemed too high.

Spurs and Chelsea have shown interest in the winger but deemed his £40m price tag too high 

However, in the process of clubs sounding out his availability, Saint-Maximin’s head is understood to have been turned by the greater salaries that could be on offer.

Newcastle are aware of the 25-year-old’s growing frustration but are restricted by the wage structure they have put in place.

Newcastle have a £12m deal agreed for Burnley goalkeeper Nick Pope and are reaching critical points in protracted negotiations for Lille’s Sven Botman and Hugo Ekitike of Reims.

Should the latter two fail to advance imminently they are expected to move on to other targets.

Newcastle are still restricted by how much they can spend though with an eye on financial fair play and they hope to recoup some funds with sales as the window progresses.

The Magpies hope to tie up their move for England keeper Nick Pope before the weekend