Allan Saint-Maximin wants Newcastle to sign France World Cup star Marcus Thuram and has already spoken to him

The 25-year-old, son of former France legend, Lillian, is out of contract with the Bundesliga club at the end of the season.

Allan Saint-Maximin wants Newcastle to sign France World Cup star Marcus Thuram

Thuram – who has starred in Germany with 13 goals and four assists in 17 appearances in all competitions this season – is understood to be a close friend of Sant-Maximin’s, with the Frenchman tipped to make the move to St James’ Park.

Asked if he had spoken to Thuram about life at third-placed Newcastle, Saint-Maximin said: “Yeah, I will be honest, I have chatted with him.

“For me, he’s a great player. I’ve known this guy a long time. I’ve been playing football with him when I was very young. I know all his family. He has great parents. He’s an incredible guy.”

Saint-Maximin missed out on a place in France’s World Cup squad after suffering an injury earlier this campaign.

Les Bleus ultimately surrendered their crown, suffering defeat to Argentina in the final at the the tournament in Qatar, but Saint-Maximin previously revealed he was routing for Thuram.

“When I see that he’s scored maybe nine, ten goals in Bundesliga, and he had a call-up for the French national team, and he’s in a great position to have the chance to win the World Cup, as I want my country to win … when I see that, I just think ‘wow’,” said Saint-Maximin.

“I don’t feel sad [that I didn’t go to the World Cup], because I’m happy for them and for him.

“I missed the first World Cup, and now it’s the second one, but I didn’t have the feeling to feel bad, with really bad emotion.

“I’ll just to always give my best, and I’m sure with the quality I have, one day I will be able to have the chance [in the France squad],” said the 25-year-old.

Thuram is expected to be available for a cut-price £10million in next month’s transfer window given the expiry of his contract.

According to BILD, Manchester United are also keen on the Gladbach forward as a potential replacement for Cristiano Ronaldo.

Erik ten Hag must act fast if he is to get his man this winter, though with agent Saint-Maximin already seemingly putting Newcastle in pole position.

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