Newcastle fans are desperate to bring Kenedy back to Tyneside this summer, but could they be better served hijacking a West Ham target instead?

Newcastle fans all said the same thing this week when a report claimed they will have to smash their transfer record to land Chelsea’s Kenedy on a permanent basis this summer - pay the money!

However, the Magpies should not be too swayed by the influence the Brazilian had during his loan spell, especially given the premium costs of transfer deals between two Premier League clubs.

According to popular West Ham insider ExWHUEmployee, the Hammers have “identified” Nice wonderkid Allan Saint-Maximin as a target this summer, and Newcastle should absolutely be joining the hunt.

West Ham are of course desperate for some more pace and creativity up front after the loss of Manuel Lanzini to a knee injury, though they are reportedly very close to a deal for Lazio’s Felipe Anderson.

Saint-Maximin joined Nice from Monaco last summer and made quite the impression in his debut season, grabbing three league goals as well as seven assists, so it’s no surprise to see Manuel Pellegrini eyeing up a deal.

Like Kenedy, the young Frenchman is at his best when he isolates a defender one-on-one, and he could be the ideal signing to help Pellegrini implement his usual 4-4-2/4-2-2-2 setup at his new club. His 167 dribbles last season were by far the most of any Nice player.

But the 21 year-old winger is absolutely rapid, so it doesn’t take much of an imagination to wonder how dangerous he would be running in behind defences to latch on to Jonjo Shelvey’s exquisite long balls.

He also has the quality to find a great pass once he gets in behind, completing well over one key pass per game last season, which would be a huge help to whoever Rafael Benitez brings in as his new number nine this summer.

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The youngster does need to work on his finishing, but this is something that would improve drastically under Benitez, and if he can add more end product to his dazzling speed and skill he will be quite simply unstoppable.

Valued at £18m by Transfermarkt, Saint-Maximin can play on either wing, and would bring pace, creativity, and the element of surprise to St. James’ Park every week.

Averaging over a tackle per game, he certainly wouldn’t be afraid to get stuck in and work for the team either, something Benitez expects from every player.

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If West Ham are seriously eyeing a deal for the youngster as they look to rebuild the team around Pellegrini's philosophy, then Newcastle should absolutely be getting involved.

So, Newcastle fans, do you think should make a move for Saint-Maximin this summer? Is he better than Kenedy? Let us know by voting in the poll below...