Allan Saint-Maximin is the latest Newcastle United player to try and tempt a close friend to the north east of England with a public plea to Nantes midfielder Ludovic Blas. The No 10, who scored the only goal in the French Cup final at the weekend, knows the Magpies winger well and is a reported transfer target for Eddie Howe 's side.
Newcastle should have no issue attracting big names this summer, with Wor Flags' pre-match displays, the owners keeping their many promises and the new training ground all helping boost the club's profile to outsiders.
But another weapon Newcastle have is the players already in the dressing room. Kieran Trippier will be used to lure in big names, Bruno, Saint-Maximin has the French links, while Bruno Guimaraes and Joelinton can attract South American stars. And it looks as though Maxi has already started his charm offensive.
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"The coach has a well-defined idea of what he needs for his team. If I had to choose, it would be the heart that would speak. I would most certainly want my friends to join the club. I’m thinking for example of Ludovic Blas," Saint-Maximin told Goal.
"I really like the person and what he also does at Nantes. He’s scored a lot of goals. He’s an essential element at Nantes. I know that Bruno [Guimarães] is very fond of [Lucas] Paqueta.”
Paqueta would represent a huge jump in quality for Newcastle, with the playmaker enjoying a fine season with Ligue 1 outfit Lyon. Guimaraes will undoubtedly be trying to tempt his comrade over to England, with the Magpies' transfer interest genuine.
“It would be my dream,” Guimaraes admitted when asked about a reunion with Paqueta. “Paqueta is my best friend, we made a relationship, not only on the field, but we lived together all the time outside. Our wives together too. It was a brotherly relationship, we still talk every day. It would be really cool if he could come here, but I can’t do this job."
As for Blas, he will enjoy Europa League football next season should he decide to stay at Nantes. His winning goal over the weekend means the French top flight side have qualified for the group stage, ending their 21 year wait for European football.
