Premier League doubt over Newcastle United deal as Everton secure loan star

Several Premier League clubs have reportedly made their concerns known over Allan Saint-Maximin’s potential move to Saudi Arabia Pro League club Al-Ahli.

The Newcastle United winger is said to be preparing to undergo a medical after the two clubs agreed a deal - but the news has not met the approval of a number of the Magpies’ competitors. United majority shareholders PIF have also bought shares in a number of Pro League clubs, including Al-Ahli and clubs around the Premier League believe the deal should be questioned as such.

Speaking of the potential deal, the Magpies manager said: “Nothing is confirmed, nothing is done. But that’s why he wasn’t here today. With Financial Fair Play you have to trade, for us we were stuck in a position where we could not trade players the other way.

“That’s how FFP works. We understand that. Maxi is a top player and we definitely don’t want to lose him we want to strengthen the group. Sometimes these things happen and we have to accept that.”

The 3AM Verdict: Saint-Maximin was once an integral figure at St James Park but seems to become increasingly peripheral last season. His departure seems to be imminent and despite his lack of involvement last season, the £30million offered seems to be good market value given the winger still has three years left on his current deal - especially when Ruben Neves made a near-£50million move to Al-Hilal despite only having one year left on his contract.

Cottagers close in on Southampton star

Fulham are said to be closing in a double defensive deal after they submitted an offer worth more than £15million for Southampton centre-back Mohammed Salisu.

The six-times capped Ghana international has attracted plenty of attention since joining the Saints from Real Valladolid just over three years ago but injuries limited his involvement last season as his side were relegated from the Premier League.

Salisu has been the subject of two unsuccessful offers from Ligue 1 club Monaco but now looks to be closing on a return to the Premier League as the Cottagers continue talks with Southampton.

Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth tweeted: “Fulham close to agreeing deal worth more than £15m with Southampton for defender Mohammed Salisu. Monaco also interested having had two bids rejected. And as per @David_Ornstein. Fulham also finalising deal with Ajax for defender Calvin Bassey. Fee thought to be worth €21m.”

The 3AM Verdict: Improving his defence seems to be one of the key aims for Marco Silva after he reiterated his commitment to Fulham. Both Salisu and Bassey would be solid additions and would add further quality and competition to the Cottagers squad.

Second time lucky for Toffees

Everton have made their second summer signing after finally completing a loan move for Arnaut Danjuma at the second attempt.

The Dutch international looked set to move to the blue half of Merseyside in January but opted to join Premier League rivals Spurs following Frank Lampard’s departure from Goodison Park. However, Everton’s interest remained alive and the Villarreal star has now put pen-to-paper on a season-long loan move.

After finalising the deal, Danjuma told the club website: “I think it makes it even more beautiful for me to join now. I had interest from other clubs but there was a pull towards Everton because of the fans, the manager and the history of the club. It is second time lucky for me.”

The 3AM Verdict: Finances are believed to be tight at Goodison Park this summer so loans and frees may well form the majority of Sean Dyche’s business before the transfer window closes. As such, Danjuma seems like a smart addition and someone who will improve the Toffees squad at a reasonably low cost.