Chelsea and Tottenham ‘in race to sign Newcastle star Allan Saint-Maximin but are put off by staggering £40m valuation’

CHELSEA and Tottenham have both reportedly made enquiries to Newcastle about signing Allan Saint-Maximin.

The Premier League rivals, plus a number of teams from Europe, are claimed to be keen on the trickster.

But Newcastle's valuation of their prized asset has put off both Chelsea and Spurs from making an official move.

Toon value Saint-Maximin in excess of £40million, according to .

Both London clubs are claimed to have hoped Newcastle would accept a cut-price fee for Saint-Maximin thanks to their vast wealth.

Despite having cash to burn, the club are remaining firm in their valuation of the Frenchman.

And that price tag has seen interest in Saint-Maximin cool.

Although reports suggest a bid in excess of £40m will be considered by Toon with any money from a potential sale to be put towards reinvesting in the squad.

Chelsea have already added to their front line this summer with the £50m signing of Raheem Sterling.

Spurs meanwhile have brought Richarlison to the club in a deal worth £60m.

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Saint-Maximin himself is eager to pen a new deal at St. James' Park after being overtaken as one of the top earners at the club following the influx of new arrivals since the Saudi-backed takeover.

Newcastle chiefs though have told Saint-Maximin he needs to prove he deserves a pay rise before he is offered fresh terms.

But there have been discussions about a potential extension.

His general lax approach to squad rules though has been noted by the club.

One of Saint-Maximin's habits includes parking his Ferrari in awkward positions at the training ground.