Nottingham Forest have made an enquiry over Newcastle United forward Allan Saint-Maximin, according to reports.
Steve Cooper moved to bring in striker Chris Wood on loan from the Magpies last week, with the former Leeds and Burnley man joining until the end of the season. The deal does, however, include an obligation to buy should certain conditions be met.
It was during the negotiations for the New Zealand striker that Forest also asked the Magpies about a possible deal for Saint-Maximin, according to the Telegraph. The report says that Newcastle want to keep the player until at least the summer to help in their fight to get to the Carabao Cup final and challenge for a top four finish this season.
READ MORE: Nottingham Forest 'deserve more credit' as pundits provide extra motivation for Man United clash
READ MORE: Late transfer twist as Nottingham Forest target ‘closing in’ on surprise move
The 25-year-old was a key player for Newcastle last season as they moved away from the Premier League relegation zone under Eddie Howe, but he has found game time harder to come by so far this campaign.
After starting all four of Newcastle’s opening Premier League games, the France U21 international has struggled to get his place back in the starting XI since returning from a hamstring injury. He has failed to start a Premier League game since returning to fitness, mainly being used as a second half substitute.
Cooper is keen to add further to his squad in the final week of the transfer window.
"I don’t know. I can’t put an exact number on it,” Cooper said when asked how many new faces could come in.
“We are definitely trying to do some things - we are going to need some things.”
Saint-Maximin has scored a total of 13 goals and provided a further 19 assists in a total of 108 appearances for Newcastle, but just one of those strikes has come in this campaign in the 1-1 draw vs Wolves back in August.
What do you think about Forest's interest in Saint-Maximin? Tell us in the comments section
READ NEXT:
