Allan Saint-Maximin to be new Aston Villa gamechanger as Newcastle United 'maverick' linked with transfer

We’re delighted to welcome former Aston Villa full-back Alan Hutton as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Villa Park… 

Allan Saint-Maximin could be a game-changer for Aston Villa if Unai Emery was to sign the Newcastle United forward this summer, according to Alan Hutton.

Saint-Maximin, 26, is being linked with a move away from St James' Park at a time when Villa seem to be actively pursuing new wingers for Unai Emery's squad.

The Daily Mail reported on Tuesday (18 July) that Harvey Barnes' potential arrival on Tyneside could speed up Saint-Maximin's exit amid speculation suggesting he's on his way to the Saudi Pro League.

He's been left out of Newcastle's squad to play a pre-season friendly against Rangers, which further suggests his time at St James' Park is coming to an end.

Hutton believes Saint-Maximin would add something different to Emery's attack.

However, the former right-back is unsure whether Emery would want someone who doesn't fit in with his usual type in the squad.

"Saint-Maximin is one of those maverick players," Hutton told Villa News.

"He can do something unbelievable if you give him the ball and let him run on with it. But I'm just not sure he's a Unai Emery player.

"Emery is very structured and wants his player to play in a very particular way and Saint-Maximin is a different type of player.

"Of course, he's a guy who if you have him in your squad and you need something different or the game to change, he can do that.

"But would he come in and start every week? I'm not sure."

In other Aston Villa news, the club’s received a kick in the teeth over this £8.5million transfer reveal.